XIAMEN (China) Dec 16, 2007: Shin Ji-yai reeled in seven birdies to shoot a final round score of 5-under 67 to successfully defend the USD250,000 Orient China Ladies Open at the Orient Golf Club, here today.

Her three-round total of 13-under 203 gave her a five-stroke win over Chinese Taipei¡¯s Tseng Ya Ni. The 18-year-old Ya Ni, playing in the same flight posted a final round score of 3-under 69 for a total of 208.

With the victory, Ji-yai, from Gwangju, Korea, capped a fine year by winning 10 events to take her 2007 earnings past the USD1.1m mark, after pocketing USD45,000 winner¡¯s cheque today. This is certainly a big feat for the 19-year-old athlete in Asia.

Ji-yai¡¯s achievements this year is certainly a new record on the KLPGA Tour, eclipsing practically every other records held by the more illusterious Se-ri Pak.

She declared her intentions to return next year to complete a hat-trick and also together with partner Ji Eun-hee (who finished fourth) wants to help Korea win the World Cup in January next year.

The bigger plan for Ji-yai is that she is bent on taking on the world. She said: ¡°I want to go to Q-school to earn the USLPGA full card and then take on the world. I¡¯ve already completed my two-year mandatory stay on the KLPGA Tour and is now free to go anywhere.¡±

With seven birdies against two bogeys, Ji Yai said she plans to take a short break for Christmas to catch up with her friends.

Ya Ni, who caught up to be two strokes behind Ji-yai at the 12th, faltered with double-bogeys on the 14th and 18 th.

¡°Shin (ji-yai) has a strong heart. When she gets a chance she makes it happen but it was not the same for me. My confidence got shaken when I see her play well,¡± said Ya Ni.

China¡¯s players Zhang Na and Feng Shahshan gave a good account of themseleves to finish within the top 10. Zhang Na finished on sole fifth position while Shanshan is on tied seventh spot.

¡°It was a good effort from me but it was still not enough to win. I am a little tired especially arriving only two days before the tournament,¡± said Zhang Na, after the game.

ends

Dear editors, pls click on the photo links below to download the pictures.

Pix by golftime.cn

http://www.orientmasters.com/pic/shinjiyai1.jpg

pix caption: Shin Ji-yai eyes her ball on the Par-3, 4th hole

http://www.orientmasters.com/pic/shin.jpg

pix caption: Shin Ji-yai holds the crystalware

Leading final round scores:
(Koreans unless stated)

203: Shin Ji-yai 68-68- 67

208: Tseng Ya Ni (Tpe) 69-70-69

211: Ahn Sun-ju 72-69-70

212: Ji Eun-hee 69-71-72

214: Zhang Na (Chn) 71-71-72; Kim Hye-youn 70-73-71

215: Lu Hsiao Ching (Tpe) 73-70-72; Feng Shahshan (Chn) 74-71-70; Hong Ran 72-74-69

Aluosies Francis

Media Manager

Orient China Ladies Open

Website: www.orientmasters.com