Defending champion Ji Yuai seeks to retain trophy at Women's China Open

Liu Yujie, 15, is among the five Chinese amateurs to win against the professionals on the CLPG Tour this season, and she is keen to raise her game and challenge for a second title in Shanghai. "I feel stronger, more relaxed and composed," said Liu, whose father, Liu Guoliang is a former world champion and Olympic gold medalist in table tennis.

"I cannot dwell on that one victory as it's already in the past. I'll continue to approach every tournament with the same goal and the same mindset."

The 28-year-old Sherman, who has enjoyed stints on the LPGA Tour previously, will be among the top international contenders from Thailand fighting for the Women's China Open crown. She is also chasing her second CLPG Tour Order of Merit title following her success in 2023. "Every week I try to win, and lifting the Women's China Open trophy would be special," she said.

Another player to watch is Malaysia's Ng Jing Xuen, who wrote a slice of history when she became the first golfer from her nation to win the Southeast Asian Games individual gold medal in 2023. This weekend, she hopes to become the second player from Malaysia to win on the CLPG Tour after Michelle Koh, although she knows the playing standard in China is challenging.

"It'll be a great competition. There are a lot of good players in the tournament, but I will treat it as the same as other tournaments and not put pressure on myself. I'll keep it simple and play it one shot at a time," said Ng.

The Women's China Open boasts a field of 108 players in the three-day stroke-play competition where the top 60 players and ties will advance to the final round after the cut is set through 36 holes.