Ainil Johani received the second sponsors card, making it her second second appearance at the only LPGA sanctioned tournament in Malaysia.
According to Dato’ Wahab Maskan, the Managing Director of Sime Darby Property and the committee member of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia:
“With Jean and Ainil, we have two wonderful and well deserving additions to the world class field. Both are young and talented with great futures ahead and will present the other golfers with some tough competition,” said Sime Darby Property managing director Datuk Wahab Maskan.
Both ladies will be aiming to improve on their previous appearances at the KLGCC as Jean ended 53rd in 2010 and 69th last year, while Ainil 71st last year.
“I’ve been working hard and I feel much more comfortable about my game and I think I’m better prepared to handle the conditions at the KLGCC. This is a world-class event and there are so many great players competing. It’s not going to be easy but I’m definitely going to give my best and hopefully give my fellow Malaysians something to cheer about,” said Jean.
The 25-year-old is a member on the LPGA’s developmental Symetra Tour and has been in consistent form this year, missing just one cut in her last 13 events. She has already notched four top-10 finishes in 2012, including a tied-2nd at the Riviera Nayarit Classic in April.
While the younger Ainil, 22, only joined the professional ranks last year, she has already made a strong impression. She finished tied-12th at last year’s US$300,000 Women’s India Open, a Ladies European Tour event.
The former top amateur, who was sixth at the prestigious Callaway World Junior championship in 2006, has even held her own against her male counterparts. She competed in two Professional Golf of Malaysia tournaments last year and made the cut at the Seremban Classic where she finished in 36th spot.
Said Ainil: “I’m honoured that Sime Darby has given me this opportunity to compete in such a prestigious event. My dream is to play on the LPGA Tour and this experience will definitely help me become a better player.”
Amongst the superstars already confirmed to arrive at the KLGCC East Course are Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan, a five time Major winner, while South Korean world No 2 and reigning US Open champion Na Yeon Choi returns to defend her Sime Darby LPGA title.
