Yang swings back to action in Zhuhai

The field for this week's Zhuhai Hengqin Phoenix Tree Building Challenge will feature a familiar face in Yang Taoli when the RMB500,000 tournament tees off in southern Guangdong province.

The China LPGA Tour great is returning to competition for the first time since 2013 after taking the past few years off to get married and have a baby girl in July 2014.

After winning the Order of Merit in 2009 and then playing in Japan where her best finish was a runner-up, the 32-year-old Sichuan native said that she was eager to get back into action.

"I tried my best to raise my child as a good mother, but the kid is older now and I missed the Tour. I missed the air out there, so I am here now," said Yang after her practice round at Orient Zhuhai.

"I had planned to come back last year but I injured my wrist in practice, which cost me another half year. I started my comeback practice in November."

Yang, who will be 33 later this month, said she had no expectations of how she would perform this week, but her plan was to play as many events as possible this year.

"I must be rusty and, you know, new players are coming up with better physical condition and better teamwork. I felt old and lagging behind. I could definitely acquaint myself more clearly about what position I was in after this week and can set a proper goal for this season. Hopefully this week is a good start.

"My driving distance is up there without much change, but I felt that I hadn't hit the same solid shots now."

Others in the field this week include rising star Shi Yuting, who is playing with her younger sister Shi Yulin, and Wang Wenwen and Shi Yalan, both of whom are returning to action from maternity leave.

Looking for her first pro title this week is Liu Yu. The 20-year-old won two China LPGA Tour titles as an amateur and last week led the World Ladies Championship through 45 holes, only to finish equal sixth after struggling to a final round even-par 72 over the Mission Hills Olazabal Course.

"It's a disappointment losing last week. But overall the positives outweigh the negative. I am in my best shape now, and certainly better than when I was 16 or 17 years old. I am looking forward to this week and am trying to carry those good things over into this week. Last week was a good boost for my confidence. I had no fear on the tee."

Since turning pro in 2014, the Beijing native has been playing on the Symetra Tour development circuit after failing to her earn her playing card at the US LPGA Tour qualifying school. With Zhuhai being her third event of the year she was looking for a strong performance to build on for when she returns stateside.

"It's my first time here. The golf course is in good condition. I should say it is a good test. You need be sharp and accurate."

Defending champion Babe Liu is absent this week as the Chinese Taipei star is playing full-time on the Japan LPGA Tour this season. Endi