Ko and Kim play down favourite tags ahead of inaugural

Simone Asia Pacific Cup

L-R Tiffany Chan, Lydia Ko, So Yeon Ryu, Tatiana Wijaya, Jaravee Boochant, Hyo Joo Kim



Pre-tournament favourites Lydia Ko and Hyo Joo Kim both played down suggestions that the inaugural Simone Asia Pacific Cup, which begins on Thursday will turn out to be more than just a four-horse race between them alongside two other major winners Shibuno Hinako and So Yeon Ryu.

New Zealand’s Ko and South Korea’s Kim, the world number four and eight respectively, are the biggest names to grace the USD $750,000 showpiece at the Pondok Indah Golf Course in Jakarta, Indonesia, alongside Japan’s Hinako and another South Korean Ryu, who boast a combined 29 US LPGA Tour victories under their belts.

But the 25-year-old Ko, winner of two major titles, was quick to point out that her reputation counts for nothing and she will still have to bring out their A-game if she Is to walk away victorious on her first visit to Indonesia on Saturday.

Ko added that she is also expecting stiff competition from the rest in the 44-woman field that includes some regional’s rising stars including Hong Kong’s Tiffany Chan, Thailand’s Jaravee Boonchant and even local hopeful Tatiana Wijaya.

With the tournament also featuring a national team competition where 16 nations are in the fray, Ko has no qualms it will serve as an added motivation and help to bring out the best in each competitor.

“There are more known names than others. But like any other event, anyone who has played golf knows you can never say just because you are world number four, that means I’m going to win,” said Ko, who will be on a mission to win her second title of the season after triumphing at the Gainbridge LPGA for her 17th LPGA Tour title in January.

“All of us will have good and bad days. Those good days can be this week and our bad days could also be this week as well. 

“The world’s best players are here representing their countries. We want to win for our country whether it’s the individual or team event. I don’t think it’s going to be all about us. 

“There may be a higher probability just because of our ranking. But we cannot take out other players just because they are less experienced or because they are less well known,” added the New Zealander.

On a lighter note, Ko has reassured her fans that she has no intention to hang up her clubs just yet despite her impending wedding.

Ko has been reportedly engaged to her sweetheart Chung Jun, and the couple is expected to tie the knot later this year.

“I don’t think there will be many changes to my schedule. I’m really thankful for my fiancé and my family who have been super supportive. As much as I want it, they also want me to finish my career well at the time I want to,” said Ko.

“As a golfer and person, I’m thankful and gives me lots of motivation to work hard when I’m competing and enjoying my time off as well. 

“Getting married is not going to change my schedule and it’s going to remain the same.”

Like Ko, Kim will also be seeking her second title of the year after claiming her fifth LPGA Tour victory at the Lotte Championship in April.

But the South Korean is taking nothing for granted despite being the top-two ranked golfers this week.

“World ranking does not necessarily guarantee a good score,” she stressed.

“Every player is talented and we do not know who will win. Everyone will do their best.”

Being a regular on LPGA Tour and KLPGA Tour back home, Kim also expressed her excitement on her first visit to Indonesia and compete with unfamiliar competitors from the Asia-Pacific region.

“This is my first time in Indonesia and I’m very happy to be able to participate and play with other players. I’m looking forward to having a fun and enjoyable week. We are representing our countries, so that’s a huge motivation for us too,” she said.

Ends.