Hitachi Ladies Classic always performed as the world’s first Ladies Open tournament every year, tomorrow Jan.6 starting for the first round. This is the 9th edition and the total prize money has increased to NTD 10miillion, the winner will receive NTD 2.5million. The tournament has attracted players from 7 countries 108 international players; spot lights also goes to Yani TSENG as former world No.1 player and Phatlum Pornannong who is seeking for her fifth career title at Hitachi Ladies Classic.

Today is the second part for Pro-Am competition, total 40 professional players and 120 amateurs pair up and play Scramble. At last, Meng-Chu CHEN and amateurs CHEN Chi-Hung, HE Shi-Chi and SHEN Shi-Fa made 15-under par to win the champion, they all receive a Hitachi air conditioner, which cost NTD 44,590.
 
Co-founder of Hitachi Ladies Classic and former General Manager Kazuo Miura made a hole in one at hole 2, by using 6-hybrid backspin to the hole. This is his first hole in one, he is also very happy. He received a Hitachi Air Conditioner from the Orient GCC, the club also spread the luck by popping up a champagne and release fireworks.

First round will start from 8:30am separately through 1st and 10th tee, last group at 10:33am.

Yani TSENG will start her first round at 9:03am from 1st tee accompany with defending champion Kanphanitnan MUANGKHUMASKUL and Hiroko AZUMA from Japan.

Phoebe Yao ranked 31 at JLPGA OOM has participating this tournament 6 times, she indicated some changes in few holes which will need to change her strategy. For example, on hole 1 the trees has saw down a lot which the green will not be easy to approach if the wind get stronger. Hole 2 green is not as steep as before, but the pace still might get faster. Hole 4 has stretch up the green length, while against the wind the green will not be able to approach. Therefore, she thought the wind level would be the major factor to the scores.

TSAI Pei-Ying ranked 44th last year at JLPGA Tour OOM, she said there was no wind at Pro-Am today, so much easier than it used to be. The course conditions were great; reading the lines on green will be the key to results. She and Kazuo Miura were in the same group today, gained lots of luck from hole-in-one simultaneously.

Born in 1991, Babe LIU ranked 62 as her rookie year at JLGPA Tour, though she did not gained full card from ranking, she still passed the Qschool for full card to play in 2017. She said the course is shorter than last year, that means more accuracy under 100 yards, in fact it’s not her strength. Green speed is faster than practice rounds, “I have to adapt to the fast green, hope to seize more opportunities for birdies.” Said LIU.

Two 24 years old Japanese players Mami FUKUDA(ranked 45) and Hiroko AZUMA(ranked 54) are so surprised that former World ranked number 1 Yani TSENG would participated this year. This is Hiroko’s 3rd time playing, missed cut in the first year, made cut in the second year, she hope could keep up to Yani’s pace this year. Mami encountered the strongest wind last year and miss cut, she hope to made cut this year and have a good result.

Hitachi Charity Cup wish to raise money for public interest group, further more to attract public attention; in the other hand to create a stage for athletes to compete.

Hitachi, Ltd has been in Taiwan over a half century, they hold their responsibility toward public by “Cherish the earth, deep plowing Taiwan”. With the great heart and charity activities, they’ve been receiving Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Awards over 5 years.

The tournament tickets for 3 days are NTD 250, every 20 tickets could receive 20% off. The coupon could exchange for a gift and lottery for Hitachi air conditioner. (Teenagers under 18 could enter for free along with parents accompany)

The host has provided shuttle bus from Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and National Taiwan Sports University to the course. On Jan.7 and 8 will add shuttle bus from MRT Huilong Station, hope all the spectators could use the transportation wisely.

Channel 38 MUCH TV will broadcast 2 rounds live on Jan.7 and 8, from 1pm to 4pm.

To purchase tickets, please go to http://www.ticket.com.tw/dm.asp?P1=7000000410 and all convenient stores. For group tickets, please approach ERA ticket system or fax. 24 hours fax number (02)2659-1403 or (02)2659-1551

For more tournament information, please go to http://www.taiwan-hitachi.com.tw/ladiesclassic2017/index.html