Russamee wants revenge
Written by Writer on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Russamee wants revenge
SUZHOU, CHINA : Thailand’s Russamee Gulyanamitta wants to avenge a second place finish to Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam at this week’s Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open at the Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club.
Russamee was a runner-up to Sorenstam at the US$1.1m SBS Open last February.
The 32-year-old right-hander from Bangkok, played bridesmaid to Sorenstam at the US$1.1m SBS Open in Turtle Bay Resort, Kahaku, Hawaii, last Feb 14-16. Sorenstam won the event with a 10-under total, while Russy, Laura Diaz and Jane Park finished tied in second spot with eight-under totals.
Come Friday, Russy, who is drawn in the same flight as Sorenstam, will again play together for the second time this year with the Swede - who was her idol during her early days playing golf - but this time around, the lanky Thai hopes to turn the tables on Sorenstam, who would be playing her last international tournament.
“This is a championship, emotions and other factors should be put aside if a player wants to retire from competitive golf,” said Russy.
“There are other ways of saying ‘all the best’ but not easing up to allow a ‘celebrity’ to win,” said Russy.
However, Russy believes that Sorenstam still has what it takes to be a winner.
“I believe she’s retiring prematurely,” said the Thai. “Annika is still a good player, capable of winning tournaments from the current batch of young guns on all the Tours.
“But this is her decision and I can’t interfere. She may have her reasons for doing so, but honestly, I hope to see her playing for another season or so.”
Leaving Sorenstam aside, the in-form Russy said she’s looking at a good week.
“My game has been pretty good and I hope to carry this form to the tournament,” said Russy.
However, Russy’s dream too could be spoilt by her countrywoman, Pornanong Phatlum. The teenage golfer, who won back-to-back titles at the Thailand Ladies Open and Women’s India Open in March this year, is also on terrific form.
“I’m not thinking of the players here,” said Pornanong.
“My aim is to go out there, play to my form and win the tournament.
“Spoiling the dreams of other players is not my concern. As an athlete, when I’m on battleground, I play to win.”
Bangkok Post
Wednesday October 29, 2008
