Injured Miyazato will miss Singapore

Former winner Ai Miyazato pulled out of the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore on Wednesday as she battles whiplash injuries from a car crash which also left American star Paula Creamer struggling to recover.

The Japanese world No 9 said she had stiffness in her neck, back and shoulders after Sunday's five-car pile-up in Bangkok as the players were en route to the airport following the Honda LPGA Thailand.

"I still have some stiffness in my neck, shoulder and back area but it is also a precautionary measure so as not to risk further injury this early in the season," the 2010 champion said in a statement, adding she was "very disappointed".

"I now plan to return to Japan to see my trainer for a few days."

Creamer also cut short her appearance in Wednesday's pro-am to seek extra treatment for similar injuries. But the American, who earlier said it was "pretty amazing how we walked away", tweeted that she hoped to tee-off on Thursday.

World No 1 Tseng Ya-ni heads a field featuring most of the globe's best players at the $1.4 million event, considered the most prestigious women's golf tournament in Asia.

"World No 1 is not as important as before now," said the 24-year-old.

"I've already reached (there), and I've been there before. I'm still here, but I just want to enjoy (myself) more. Because I know if I'm not looking at the result, I just want to play golf and enjoy every swing and enjoy every tournament."

Tseng now has a slim 1.35 average points lead over South Korea's Choi Na-yeon, who will also tee it up on Thursday.

(China Daily 02/28/2013 page23)