Nasa Aims for Lift-Off at HSBC Women’s World Championship

Singapore: Former Faldo Series Asia winner Nasa Hataoka has added her name to the star-studded cast for next month’s HSBC Women’s World Championship. 

Currently eighth in the Rolex Women’s World Ranking, Hataoka will be among the favourites when the event tees-off on the New Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club on April 29. 

It was in 2016 that Hataoka gave notice of her talent by topping the girls’ standings in the 10th edition of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final over the Faldo Course at China’s Mission Hills. 

Since then, Hataoka’s career has sky-rocketed with nine professional victories to her credit, including three LPGA Tour titles. 

“It’s fabulous to see the progress that Nasa has made,” said Sir Nick Faldo. “When I watched her play five years ago, it was clear there was something special about her game. 

“Nasa’s professional golfing career is still very much in its infancy and I look forward to seeing her go on to achieve many more great things in the years ahead.” 

In Singapore, Hataoka will be part of an elite field that also includes fellow-Japanese Hinako Shibuno, South Koreans Kim Hyo-joo and Ryu So-yeon and former world number ones Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and New Zealander Lydia Ko. 

The HSBC Women’s World Championship will mark a welcome return for professional women’s golf to Singapore after a one-year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

With safety restrictions set to remain in place until after the tournament, HSBC Women’s World Championship 2021 will be a limited attendance event. 

Working alongside title sponsor HSBC and tournament organiser IMG, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has played a crucial role in the planning for this year’s tournament.  

Keith Tan, STB’s Chief Executive, said: “Singapore is pleased to welcome the world’s top female golfers to compete in the 2021 edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship.  

“We are glad to see the return of many of these top players to Singapore to take part in our very first international professional golf tournament since Covid-19. 

“Having worked closely with tournament organiser IMG and the LPGA Tour to develop the necessary safe management measures, as well as ensuring the quality of the event remains top notch, we look forward to an exciting tournament, and to hosting more major sporting events that are both safe and engaging.”