They haven't played golf together since they were teenagers, but Taiwan's Yani Tseng, the world's top-ranked woman, and LPGA Futures Tour rookie pro Jean Chua of Malaysia, are paired together today for the third and final rounds of the U.S. Women's Open Championship.
As amateurs and juniors, the two represented their respective countries in tournaments throughout Asia. And even back then, Tseng was turning heads.
"One time I played with her and she shot 66 on a really difficult course," said Chua, 23, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "Yani was 16 and she hit it long, even back then."
The teens' paths eventually split. Chua went to North Carolina in the United States to play college golf at Wake Forest University. Tseng turned professional early, qualifying for the LPGA Tour at age 18.
This week, the two players are together again at the Open. Tseng is gunning for her fourth major championship at the Women's Open and the career grand slam. Chua, who is gaining experience in her rookie season on the LPGA Futures tour, is hoping for a solid finish in her first Open.
"We've known each other for a long time, so I'm happy to see her on tour," said Tseng, 22. "It's always fun to have friends out here. And just like my rookie year, you have so many things to learn, so that's what she is doing now."
As amateurs and juniors, the two represented their respective countries in tournaments throughout Asia. And even back then, Tseng was turning heads.
"One time I played with her and she shot 66 on a really difficult course," said Chua, 23, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "Yani was 16 and she hit it long, even back then."
The teens' paths eventually split. Chua went to North Carolina in the United States to play college golf at Wake Forest University. Tseng turned professional early, qualifying for the LPGA Tour at age 18.
This week, the two players are together again at the Open. Tseng is gunning for her fourth major championship at the Women's Open and the career grand slam. Chua, who is gaining experience in her rookie season on the LPGA Futures tour, is hoping for a solid finish in her first Open.
"We've known each other for a long time, so I'm happy to see her on tour," said Tseng, 22. "It's always fun to have friends out here. And just like my rookie year, you have so many things to learn, so that's what she is doing now."