Phatlum aiming to defend Dubai Masters title

Sport360 staff 14:02 15/10/2014
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  • Fond memories: Pornanong Phatlum hopes last year's success will spur her on to victory once more.

    Pornanong Phatlum is hoping to celebrate her birthday in style by defending her 2014 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters title at Emirates Golf Club in December.

    The Thai ace, who turns 25 a few days before the event, conjured up a piece of magic on the final hole in 2013, drilling her 54 degree wedge to two feet of the cup for birdie to win the tournament on her debut in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event.

    And she believes fond memories of her victory will drive her to the success she needs to emulate the feat of Swedish legend Annika Sorenstam, the only player to have won back-to-back titles since the inception of the Masters in 2006.

    "This (Omega Dubai Ladies Masters) has the energy of a major on the Ladies European Tour,” said Phatlum.

    “I really enjoyed playing in Dubai last year, and winning it on my first visit made it even more special.

    “Of course, it will be great fun to be back in Dubai, a city I like very much, and have an opportunity to win two in a row, but I will try not to think about it too much. They have such a strong field every year and anyone can win at any time.”

    The world number 33, boasts 10 professional wins, including two on the Ladies European Tour. Phatlum has already crossed the $1 million mark in earnings since joining the LPGA Tour five years ago.

    “Certainly, a strong finish, if not a victory, will be ideal soon after my birthday, but I am not too hung up on it. Of course, my goal is to win, but I can’t really control all of it. All I can do is to give my best, which I will and see what happens,” said Phatlum.

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