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The Star
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Defending champion Yin Ruoning to headline star-studded field for Buick LPGA Shanghai's October homecoming
SHANGHAI, China: China's top golfer Yin Ruoning will be back to defend her title at this year's Buick LPGA Shanghai, which takes place at the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club from October 9-12. As the first event of the 2025 LPGA Tour's Fall Asian Swing, the US$2.2 million tournament will bring together the world's top female golfers for a thrilling showdown, eagerly awaited by Chinese fans. Jointly sanctioned by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the China LPGA (CLPGA), the Buick LPGA Shanghai will feature 81 players competing in a no-cut format. In last year's tournament, Yin delivered a career-defining performance by carding eight birdies in a blistering final round for a record-breaking 25-under-par total. She finished a massive six shots ahead of Japan's Mao Saigo and Korean Sei Young Kim. As a graduate of the Buick Junior Golf Programme, Yin's rise to the top is a powerful testament to the tournament's role in nurturing future champions. Hailing from Shanghai, she maintains a unique connection to the Buick LPGA Shanghai with her journey tracing an extraordinary arc through the tournament's history: attending as a spectator (2018), claiming low amateur honours via a Buick Junior Programme exemption (2019), making her professional debut (2023), and ultimately seizing the championship trophy before a roaring home crowd (2024). 'The Buick LPGA Shanghai holds a special place in my heart,' said Yin. 'It has witnessed my growth and opened the door for countless young Chinese players to pursue their dreams. I am deeply grateful to the Buick brand for its lasting support of me, junior golf, and the overall development of the sport in China.' Riding the momentum of her home victory, Yin also hoisted her fifth LPGA trophy at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia two weeks later to cement her status among China's new generation of elite players. Her story exemplifies how the Buick LPGA Shanghai has contributed to the rise of Chinese women's golf. He Fengxiang, President of the China Golf Association, noted: 'The Buick LPGA Shanghai is not only a world-class competitive platform but also a cornerstone initiative for elevating China's golf standards and expanding junior participation. It helps players transition from junior to professional ranks and showcases the intergenerational rise of Chinese women's golf. "Critically, it is also a strategic platform for Olympic preparation, the tournament supports talent development for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and builds momentum toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. We firmly believe that more young Chinese players will reach the global stage through this event." The Buick LPGA Shanghai traces its origins to the 2014 Buick Invitational and 2015 Buick Championship, achieving dual LPGA-CLPGA sanctioning under its current identity in 2018. The tournament's legacy boasts six Olympic medallists, including former Buick ambassador Feng Shanshan (Bronze, Rio 2016), current Buick ambassador Lin Xiyu (Bronze, Paris 2024), and Major champions Lydia Ko (Gold, Paris 2024) and Nelly Korda (Gold, Tokyo 2020). Chris Madsen, Managing Director of LPGA Asia-Pacific Region, stressed that the Buick LPGA Shanghai has solidified its strategic position within the LPGA's global landscape: 'China represents a crucial market within the LPGA's global strategic footprint. We are honoured to partner with Buick, our long-term collaborator, to establish a world-class women's golf tournament in China. " Today, the Buick LPGA Shanghai has become one of the most influential LPGA events in Asia and continues to inject strong momentum into women's golf worldwide.' - LPGA
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Defending champion Yin to headline star-studded field for homecoming
CHINA'S top golfer Yin Ruoning will be back to defend her title at this year's Buick LPGA Shanghai, which takes place at the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club from October 9-12. As the first event of the 2025 LPGA Tour's Fall Asian Swing, the US$2.2 million tournament will bring together the world's top female golfers for a thrilling showdown, eagerly-awaited by Chinese fans. Jointly sanctioned by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the China LPGA (CLPGA), the Buick LPGA Shanghai will feature 81 players competing in a no-cut format. In last year's tournament, Yin delivered a career-defining performance by carding eight birdies in a blistering final round for a record-breaking 25-under-par total. She finished a massive six shots ahead of Japan's Mao Saigo and Korean Sei Young Kim. As a graduate of the Buick Junior Golf Program, Yin's rise to the top is a powerful testament to the tournament's role in nurturing future champions. Hailing from Shanghai, she maintains a unique connection to the Buick LPGA Shanghai with her journey tracing an extraordinary arc through the tournament's history: attending as a spectator (2018), claiming low amateur honours via a Buick Junior Program exemption (2019), making her professional debut (2023), and ultimately seizing the championship trophy before a roaring home crowd (2024). 'The Buick LPGA Shanghai holds a special place in my heart,' said Yin. 'It has witnessed my growth and opened the door for countless young Chinese players to pursue their dreams. I am deeply grateful to the Buick brand for its lasting support of me, junior golf, and the overall development of the sport in China.' Riding the momentum of her home victory, Yin hoisted her fifth LPGA trophy at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia two weeks later to cement her status among China's new generation of elite players. Her story exemplifies how the Buick LPGA Shanghai has contributed to the rise of Chinese women's golf. He Fengxiang, President of the China Golf Association, noted: 'The Buick LPGA Shanghai is not only a world-class competitive platform but also a cornerstone initiative for elevating China's golf standards and expanding junior participation. It helps players transition from junior to professional ranks and showcases the intergenerational rise of Chinese women's golf. Critically, as a strategic platform for Olympic preparation, the tournament supports talent development for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and builds momentum toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. We firmly believe that more young Chinese players will reach the global stage through this event.' The Buick LPGA Shanghai traces its origins to the 2014 Buick Invitational and 2015 Buick Championship, achieving dual LPGA-CLPGA sanctioning under its current identity in 2018. The tournament's legacy boasts six Olympic medallists, including former Buick ambassador Feng Shanshan (Bronze, Rio 2016), current Buick ambassador Lin Xiyu (Bronze, Paris 2024), and Major champions Lydia Ko (Gold, Paris 2024) and Nelly Korda (Gold, Tokyo 2020). Li Hong, Managing Director of the China LPGA Tour, noted that the Buick LPGA Shanghai has also helped create new stars: 'Through its evolution from CLPGA to LET and LPGA collaboration, the tournament has become a launching pad for emerging talent. From 2018 to 2023, every recipient of the tournament's low amateur award turned professional and went on to win titles—validating its exceptional player development value. The Buick LPGA Shanghai will remain integral to China's professional golf ecosystem, accelerating the growth of women's elite players.' As the tournament's founding partner, Buick's brand ethos of 'relentless innovation and selftranscendence' remains intrinsically aligned with the spirit of golf. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Buick's support of golf in China. Lu Xiao, General Manager of SAIC-GM, noted: 'From Feng Shanshan's historic win to Yin Ruoning's home victory, we have witnessed the generational rise of Chinese women's golf. These are not only personal triumphs but also a reflection of Buick's long-term commitment and pioneering spirit. We remain dedicated to building a world-class competition platform where Chinese golfers can chase their dreams against the best. The Buick LPGA Shanghai is both a championship arena and a genuine embodiment of the Buick brand. We will continue to grow with Chinese golf and witness more glory unfold.' Chris Madsen, Managing Director of LPGA Asia-Pacific Region, stressed that the Buick LPGA Shanghai has solidified its strategic position within the LPGA's global landscape: 'China represents a crucial market within the LPGA's global strategic footprint. We are honoured to partner with Buick, our long-term collaborator, to establish a world-class women's golf tournament in China. Today, the Buick LPGA Shanghai has become one of the most influential LPGA events in Asia and continues to inject strong momentum into women's golf worldwide.' Grant Slack, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Golf Events, IMG, said: 'World-class fields and exceptional player performances at past editions of the Buick LPGA Shanghai have helped to ensure the tournament has become a key event on the global golf calendar. We extend our gratitude to the China Golf Association, Shanghai Administration of Sports, the Shanghai Minhang District People's Government, the LPGA, the CLPGA, SAIC-GM Buick, and the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club and all tournament partners for their invaluable support. We will continue to work closely with all parties to continue to elevate the Buick LPGA Shanghai in years to come.'
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Defending champion Yin to headline star-studded field for Buick LPGA Shanghai's October homecoming
CHINA'S top golfer Yin Ruoning will be back to defend her title at this year's Buick LPGA Shanghai, which takes place at the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club from October 9-12. As the first event of the 2025 LPGA Tour's Fall Asian Swing, the US$2.2 million tournament will bring together the world's top female golfers for a thrilling showdown, eagerly-awaited by Chinese fans. Jointly sanctioned by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the China LPGA (CLPGA), the Buick LPGA Shanghai will feature 81 players competing in a no-cut format. In last year's tournament, Yin delivered a career-defining performance by carding eight birdies in a blistering final round for a record-breaking 25-under-par total. She finished a massive six shots ahead of Japan's Mao Saigo and Korean Sei Young Kim. As a graduate of the Buick Junior Golf Program, Yin's rise to the top is a powerful testament to the tournament's role in nurturing future champions. Hailing from Shanghai, she maintains a unique connection to the Buick LPGA Shanghai with her journey tracing an extraordinary arc through the tournament's history: attending as a spectator (2018), claiming low amateur honours via a Buick Junior Program exemption (2019), making her professional debut (2023), and ultimately seizing the championship trophy before a roaring home crowd (2024). 'The Buick LPGA Shanghai holds a special place in my heart,' said Yin. 'It has witnessed my growth and opened the door for countless young Chinese players to pursue their dreams. I am deeply grateful to the Buick brand for its lasting support of me, junior golf, and the overall development of the sport in China.' Riding the momentum of her home victory, Yin hoisted her fifth LPGA trophy at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia two weeks later to cement her status among China's new generation of elite players. Her story exemplifies how the Buick LPGA Shanghai has contributed to the rise of Chinese women's golf. He Fengxiang, President of the China Golf Association, noted: 'The Buick LPGA Shanghai is not only a world-class competitive platform but also a cornerstone initiative for elevating China's golf standards and expanding junior participation. It helps players transition from junior to professional ranks and showcases the intergenerational rise of Chinese women's golf. Critically, as a strategic platform for Olympic preparation, the tournament supports talent development for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and builds momentum toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. We firmly believe that more young Chinese players will reach the global stage through this event.' The Buick LPGA Shanghai traces its origins to the 2014 Buick Invitational and 2015 Buick Championship, achieving dual LPGA-CLPGA sanctioning under its current identity in 2018. The tournament's legacy boasts six Olympic medallists, including former Buick ambassador Feng Shanshan (Bronze, Rio 2016), current Buick ambassador Lin Xiyu (Bronze, Paris 2024), and Major champions Lydia Ko (Gold, Paris 2024) and Nelly Korda (Gold, Tokyo 2020). Li Hong, Managing Director of the China LPGA Tour, noted that the Buick LPGA Shanghai has also helped create new stars: 'Through its evolution from CLPGA to LET and LPGA collaboration, the tournament has become a launching pad for emerging talent. From 2018 to 2023, every recipient of the tournament's low amateur award turned professional and went on to win titles—validating its exceptional player development value. The Buick LPGA Shanghai will remain integral to China's professional golf ecosystem, accelerating the growth of women's elite players.' As the tournament's founding partner, Buick's brand ethos of 'relentless innovation and selftranscendence' remains intrinsically aligned with the spirit of golf. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Buick's support of golf in China. Lu Xiao, General Manager of SAIC-GM, noted: 'From Feng Shanshan's historic win to Yin Ruoning's home victory, we have witnessed the generational rise of Chinese women's golf. These are not only personal triumphs but also a reflection of Buick's long-term commitment and pioneering spirit. We remain dedicated to building a world-class competition platform where Chinese golfers can chase their dreams against the best. The Buick LPGA Shanghai is both a championship arena and a genuine embodiment of the Buick brand. We will continue to grow with Chinese golf and witness more glory unfold.' Chris Madsen, Managing Director of LPGA Asia-Pacific Region, stressed that the Buick LPGA Shanghai has solidified its strategic position within the LPGA's global landscape: 'China represents a crucial market within the LPGA's global strategic footprint. We are honoured to partner with Buick, our long-term collaborator, to establish a world-class women's golf tournament in China. Today, the Buick LPGA Shanghai has become one of the most influential LPGA events in Asia and continues to inject strong momentum into women's golf worldwide.' Grant Slack, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Golf Events, IMG, said: 'World-class fields and exceptional player performances at past editions of the Buick LPGA Shanghai have helped to ensure the tournament has become a key event on the global golf calendar. We extend our gratitude to the China Golf Association, Shanghai Administration of Sports, the Shanghai Minhang District People's Government, the LPGA, the CLPGA, SAIC-GM Buick, and the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club and all tournament partners for their invaluable support. We will continue to work closely with all parties to continue to elevate the Buick LPGA Shanghai in years to come.'
Chicago Tribune
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Billie Jean King on today's tennis, the media and a new play at Chicago Shakespeare about her life
'Billie Jean' is the name of the new play by Lauren Gunderson now in its world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This show about the tennis great Billie Jean King is currently in The Yard on Navy Pier through Aug. 10, and then is widely expected to have a life beyond Chicago. King spoke to the Tribune in a telephone interview just after returning from the All England Lawn Tennis Championships, better known as Wimbledon, where she sat next to Princess Kate in the Royal Box for the women's singles final and watched Iga Świątek defeat Amanda Anisimova by a score of 6-0, 6-0. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length. Q: That final was quite the wipeout. A: Świątek was amazing. She couldn't even get through the qualifier last time. But you know, we don't have two dominant players anymore. It used to be Steffi (Graf) and Monica (Seles), or Chris (Evert) and Martina (Navratilova). Now on a given day, any of the top 200 women can beat any of the others. Q: The women's game has come a long way. A: I put on the tennis channel and I can't believe all the cities we are in now. We've really been the leaders in women's sport since the 1970s. The Ladies Professional Golf Association was founded a year before the Women's Tennis Association but we've eclipsed them. Q: Could you have beaten Świątek or Anisimova when you were in your prime? A: No. My brother played professional baseball for 12 years. Our parents taught us both that every generation gets better. I them to be better. When we women signed our first one-dollar contract, we wanted three things: a place to compete, to be appreciated for our accomplishments and not only for our looks, and to be able to make a living playing the sport we love. Now you see all the other women's sports people are starting to invest in. My former husband and I used to own the Chicago tournament. I've been involved in Chicago for a very long time. Q: You still have your place here, right? A: I do. Q: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz also played an amazing match. A: They did. Italy and Spain right now have the best male players in the world. And Jannik is such a great guy. You could not ask for a more thoughtful, smarter human being. He walked all the way over as we were leaving Wimbledon and introduced himself to my entire group, one by one. He didn't have to do that. There really has been a changing of the guard with Sinner and Alcaraz and all the others. I've been through six generations of players now. And don't forget the Italian woman, Jasmine Paolini. She loves to perform. Q: You are very easy to talk with. A: I have always talked to the media. When younger players complain about doing so, I've always said, 'Have you ever thought that this is how these people make their livings? And that if you don't talk to them they might lose the job they are in?' No players ever answer yes to that. I always say you have to know the business you are in. I could come up with other names for you to interview if you like. Q: Most athletes don't look at things that way. A: True. Most players also have no clue how much things cost. The top players are just starting to understand they should run their own businesses, not just get money from endorsements. I've invested in sports since 1968. Q: Now Chicago gets to see a play about you. A: When the producer, Harriet (Newman Leve), said she wanted to start in Chicago, I said that's fantastic. Aside from the apartment, I am so invested there. Q: This is not your first go-around in terms of dramatizations of your life. There was the movie, 'The Battle of the Sexes,' about your beating Bobby Riggs. A: We are still friends with Emma Stone (who played King). She married a great guy we love. She had a baby. The baby loves tennis. Did you know tennis was the healthiest sport in the world? They've done research. Q: I can believe it. A: I still love to hit balls against the wall. Q: I can believe that too. So you are involved in this play? A: Are you kidding me? We've been involved. I've met all the actors. I've made suggestions. Lauren (Gunderson) has done a really great job. Q: Chilina Kennedy, a musical star I've seen many times, plays you. A: I want her to sing. She's so talented. Q: Plays about sport can he hard unless you have incredible actor-athletes. Tough to pretend to play like you did. A: Sure. But this play isn't about tennis as much as it is about life. It's off the court that matters here. It's about my trying to figure out my sexuality. I think it's a great platform for the community. Tennis is a part of it, of course. But for me, it's really about the audience so that when they leave they are inspired by something. I hope they can derive something from it that makes their lives better. I think it expresses my journey through the thick and the thin. We've all been going like a bat of hell. Of course. It's about women's sports.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mirabel's bold swing
Set to roar: Malaysia's Mirabel Ting will begin professional journey starting with Amundi Evian Championship in France next week. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Golfer pulls off surprise with brave decision to turn pro in bid to chase greatness PETALING JAYA: The world could well be her oyster as youngster Mirabel Ting takes a bold first step toward her ultimate goal of becoming the first Malaysian to win on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
