BIRTHDAY GIRL ANGEL YIN WISHING FOR WIN IN CHINA, AS RECORD SETTING RUONING YIN ENTERS AS FAVORITE

Shenzhen, China [October 03, 2024] – It’s been a very happy return to China so far for Angel Yin, who is now back on the right path following a lingering ankle injury.

Posted next to World No. 4 Ruoning Yin in the second of the pre-tournament press conferences, the American was all smiles, as she was serenaded by the media and surprised with cakes to celebrate her 26^th birthday.

As she blew out the candles, Angel Yin’s wish was simple; “to win this weekend.” Whether or not it will come true will likely be influenced by her namesake, Ruoning Yin, China’s shining light in women’s golf.

Still just 22, the Chinese star has quickly become a formidable presence in women’s golf – setting a record for the most consecutive wins on the CLPGA Tour aged 18, before becoming just the second Chinese winner in the LPGA’s history.

Since turning professional in 2020, Yin has recorded six wins, including the 2023 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, marking her as one of China’s brightest stars. Yin makes her Series debut here in Shenzhen, experiencing this unique team format for the first time after winning the team event the Dow Championship with Thailand’s Atthaya Thitiku in June.

“I really enjoy the teamwork aspect”, Ruoning Yin explained. “I think it's going to be a really fun week, especially because I get to play with my good friend Danlin Cai.

“We have known each other since we were kids and have played together in youth tournaments.

“Having the opportunity to play with her again on our team feels great. I haven't really overthought the strategy - it's just nice to be back home.”

Ruoning Yin, who played the course as a youngster, was very complimentary of it following her participation in the tournament pro-am, but knows it won’t be easy.

“The course is in pretty good shape. The toughest part for me is the greens because they're quite fast. It's essential to choose a good spot to get close to the flagpole. The key challenge is definitely on the greens.

“I'm very grateful to Mission Hills and the Chu Family for supporting Chinese golf and juniors. Playing here again as a professional feels different but exciting, it makes me happy to return and compete.”

Angel Yin, returning to China for the first time since her debut LPGA win in Shanghai last year, would love nothing more than to win her second LET event, following her first professional win in 2017 at the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic.

“I feel more confident than I have in the past two years,” she said. “Winning last year was a big boost, and I hope to perform well in this tournament and finish strong.

“When I come to China, I can communicate in Chinese and I feel very comfortable. I really enjoy being here!”

After overcoming an ankle injury that plagued the start of her season, Angel Yin is eager to take on this new challenge and lead her team to victory.

“At the beginning of the year, the broken foot definitely affected my performance, and it took time to recover,” said the American.

“However, it's much better now—almost 80% recovered. It still gets sore occasionally, but I'm working hard on rehabilitation, exercising, and doing everything possible to get back to 100%.”

“The injury made me realize I need to strengthen my ankle, which I didn’t focus on before since we tend to focus more on the upper body.”

The co-sanctioned event between the Ladies European Tour (LET) and CLPGA will see 20 CLPGA players amongst the familiar faces of the LET, hosted on the Jack Nicklaus designed World Cup Course.

Speaking on her experience as an Ambassador of the tournament, Angel Yin celebrated co-organizer Golf Saudi’s work in elevating women’s golf and expanding access to the sport. “Their main focus is on the next generation," she said. "I can see it [and see how this] has really helped - and will continuously help - the women’s game.”

The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF - Shenzhen will unfold from Friday October 4, to Sunday October 6, hosted at Mission Hills China, with Team De Roey and Team Fanali opening play.