KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — Defending champion Jessica Korda will face fierce competition from LPGA money list’s top 10 golfers when attempting to retain her Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia title this year.

According to the organiser, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Canada’s Brooke Henderson who are ranked first and third respectively, had announced their participation in the tournament which would also be joined by current world number two, Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand.

The Thai powerhouse has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the sport since turning professional in 2012, after securing five wins and a remarkable tournament earnings of over US$2 million (RM8.2 million) to date, this year.

"I’m really excited about returning to Kuala Lumpur for the tournament. I’ve always enjoyed playing here since I first played here back in 2012. It’s been a great year for me so far and I’m feeling good at the moment, so I’m looking forward to improving on last year’s result,” Jutanugarn said in a statement today.

Alongside Ko, Jutanugarn and Henderson, notable names in the line-up include South Korean trio Sei Young Kim, In Gee Chun and Amy Yang as well as Anna Nordqvist, Brittany Lang, Haru Nomura and Stacy Lewis.

Another big name to join the line-up in TPC Kuala Lumpur will be Michelle Wie from the United States.

"Thank you very much to the sponsors for inviting me back for the tournament. The tournament has always been a well-organised and great event and I really enjoyed myself last year, so I think it’s fantastic that I get to be part of it again this year,” Wie added.

The seventh edition of the US$1.8 million Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia will take place on the East course at TPC Kuala Lumpur from October 27-30.

Seventy-eight players, made up of 64 players from the LPGA tour and 14 sponsor exemptions, will compete in the 72-hole stroke play, no cut tournament. — Bernama