The HSBC Women's World Championship, the second event in the Asia Series of the US Women's Golf Tour, will begin on February 27th at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. WOWOW will broadcast and stream the event live every day from 11:30 am on the same day. Seven Japanese players, including Ayaka Furue, Miyu Yamashita, Nasa Hataoka, and Hinako Shibuno, are expected to take part in the event. WOWOW conducted a pre-event interview with them.
◇Ayaka Furue
--The Asia Series continues from last week, but first, can you look back on the match in Thailand?
I think my golf game gradually improved from the first day to the fourth day. I got a lot of birdies, so I think I did okay.
--After all that, how do you feel now in Singapore?
I have a good idea of what the course looks like, so I'd like to play it while being careful of the wind and heat.
--Last year you were in the running to win and played some great golf, but what are your impressions of this course?
My impression is that there are some holes where you have to use some management, as there are some ups and downs and the greens have quite a few chips.
--Is there anything you're looking forward to in Singapore?
I wish I could eat crab (laughs).
--Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm.
This week too, I will try to stay true to myself and confident, and do my best to compete for the top spot again.
◇Yamashita Miyu
--The Asia Series is finally here in Singapore. How do you feel?
I'd like to play a good practice round today, take a good look at the condition of the course, and then have a good round starting tomorrow.
--Coming from Japan, I imagine the temperature difference is huge. What is it like in that regard?
The temperature difference is really extreme, so for now I want to get used to this temperature, eat a lot, and do my best.
--Since you're in Singapore, is there anything you're looking forward to or anything you want to eat?
Since this is my first time, I hope to be able to try a variety of foods.
--I've heard that the course has some pretty difficult sections, but what do you think are the key points to coming out on top?
I think it's important to have the shot power to handle the course well, and even if you miss the green, it's also important to be able to use your short game to get close enough to the green, so I think that short game is the most important thing.
--Finally, what are your goals for this week?
I want to do my best this week and work hard on every shot.
◇Nasa Hataoka
--The Asia Series is finally starting for you, Hataoka. How do you feel about this?
It will be my first match in two weeks, but I had a great result in this tournament last year (tied for third place), so I hope to do even better this year.
--You played some very good golf at the Founders Cup, but how did you spend your time after that?
At the Founders Cup, my shots were going really well, so I realized that putting was still an issue. I adjusted the loft of my putter a little, and although I don't think my hitting technique is that bad, I learned from playing with irons that the way the club looks can make a big difference in my swing, so I thought the same could be said about my patterns, so I adjusted them.
--There seem to be some holes where the tee shot is the main focus, but what do you think are the key points?
When the teeing area on par 5s is forward, there are some places where your second shot may land on the green, so I hope I can take advantage of those opportunities.
--Since you're in Singapore, is there anything you're looking forward to or want to eat? Chili crab and chicken rice are famous there, so those are probably my favorites.
--Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.
I'm a little worried about the weather this week, but I'll do my best to fight through the four days.
◇ Hinako Shibuno
--This is your second tournament in Asia, but first can you look back on the Honda LPGA Thailand?
I think it was a very frustrating week because I couldn't play well throughout the four days. I had a lot of issues with my physical condition, but I'm feeling great now, so I'm able to switch gears and get ready to go.
--It looks like it's going to be a bit hot this week, but what is your overall impression of this course? This course is really difficult, so the tee shots feel tricky, and the areas around the greens are also difficult, so it's hard to get a good score on this course, so I'll be patient and take advantage of any chances I get.
--What did you think were the key points of this week's course?
First of all, I think it's really important to get onto the fairway with your tee shot, and the green has undulations and the like, so it's difficult, so I'd like to be able to calculate that carefully and use the slope to my advantage.
--Is there anything you're looking forward to in Singapore?
I saw the Merlion right away. Yesterday's Plum Party was at Marina Bay Sands. It was on the lower floors, not the upper floors, but it's not often that I get to go there, so it was fun to see so many things.
--Finally, please tell us your goals and enthusiasm for this week.
I will do my best over the next four days to aim for improvement and make at least one good play, so that I don't have any regrets.
*WOWOW will broadcast and stream the event live every day on WOWOW Live and WOWOW On Demand. The first day will be on February 27th at 11:30 AM, the second day on the 28th at 11:30 AM, the third day on March 1st at 11:30 AM, and the final day on the 2nd at 11:30 AM.
