Contributed by Lorna Campbell.

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Amelia Yong shot 42 on the front nine and 39 on the way back. (Photo courtesy of organisers)

SINGAPORE, January 16, 2008 – 15-year-old Amelia Yong will make history as the first Singaporean to compete in an LPGA event. From a field of nine hopefuls, it came down to the final hole before Amelia emerged the clear winner at the HSBC Women's Champions Singapore Qualifying Tournament at Tanah Merah Country Club.

Amelia, who is from Seletar Golf Club, completed the Garden Course in a round of 81 and claimed the host country invite spot in next month's HSBC Women's Champions. She will enter the history books as the first Singaporean to play in an LPGA-sanctioned event when the biggest female golfing event in Asia hits our shores from February 28th to March 2nd.

Amelia was shocked by her victory today saying, "I didn't really expect to win today. I thought I was playing quite badly but actually I did ok! My Coach Greg Anketell helped me a lot out there. He gave me the drive to want it more and lift my confidence on the course today. It improved my game on the back nine and that was what won it for me today."

Shooting 42 on the front nine and 39 on the way home, she scored ten bogeys and picked up her putting on the final few holes to take the top spot.

Until today, her biggest achievement was a third place in the 2007 Ladies Golf Association Amateur Open. She dreams about playing in the LPGA one day but knows the importance of her education saying, "Education is very important in Singapore. I must study first and then practice my golf when I am not revising. I want to do well in school and then see how far I can go with my golf."

Congratulating Amelia after her round today, Guy Harvey Samuel, CEO HSBC Singapore said, "As a clear demonstration of our commitment to being ‘Champions of Golf Worldwide', I'm very pleased that HSBC is able to give Amelia the opportunity to compete in the HSBC Women's Champions. "

He continued. "I hope that this will inspire a growing interest in golf among the women golfing community in Singapore. And that one day, our aspiring young golfers will emerge as world-class champions and we at HSBC will be honoured to have contributed in a small way to this. "

Finishing in second and third spot today were Kristle Koh and Liu Xiao Yan with scores of 82 and 83 respectively.

The scores produced today are an encouraging sign of the potential female golf in Singapore has as highlighted by Robbie Henchman, IMG's Senior Vice President, Director of Golf Asia, "We want to grow the sport of golf globally and hope this event will attract more local players to the game. The inclusion of a local player can help to develop a platform for Singapore to produce its own Champion on the LPGA one day."

Looking ahead to the event next month he said, "We are very proud to be hosting this new event on the LPGA calendar in Singapore. With the local entrant in the line up of world class players, we are looking forward to a big crowd to lend their support and enjoy four days of great golf at Tanah Merah."

In just six weeks the dream of playing in the largest field of Champion golfers in Asia will be a reality for Amelia Yong. She said, "I am really looking forward to playing with all the professional players, especially Natalie Gulbis who is one of my favourites because she is always so happy on the course.

This is going to be a very good experience for me and it really is a dream come true. I am going to practice as much as I can when I am not studying and I am just so excited to tell my family and friends."

Although as an amateur she is not entitled to any prize money, this once in a lifetime opportunity will live with her forever.

HSBC Women's Champions Singapore Qualifying Tournament Results:

Amelia Yong 42 39 81
Kirstle Koh 40 42 82
Liu Xiao Yan 40 43 83
Stephanie Loi 39 44 83
Joey Poh 45 40 85
Christabel Goh 43 44 87
Koh Sock Hwee 41 46 87
Nicole Koh 45 46 91
Michelle Ang 42 50 92

LPGA Champions that have confirmed their attendance include:
Annika Sorenstam
Se Ri Pak
Natalie Gulbis
Ai Miyazato
Paula Creamer
Suzann Pettersen

Tournament Dates
Ticket Types
Ticket Price*
28 February 2008 (Friday)
Single Day Ticket
S$20
29 February 2008 (Thursday)
1 March 2008 (Saturday)
S$30
2 March 2008 (Sunday)
28 February - 2 March 2008
Seasonal Ticket
S$60
Other discount and concession:
Free entry for children aged 16 years and below.
Senior citizens aged 55 years old and above will enjoy 50% discount off single day and seasonal tickets.