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| New Star Money List leader Nikki Garrett |
A win here would catapult Nocera from her current fourth position on the New Star Money List to first position, which would bring many benefits, although Nocera has already qualified for the US Women’s Open. Australia’s Nikki Garrett currently leads the New Star Money List with €84,472, more than twice as much as her nearest rival Paula Marti of Spain, who is ranked second and also in this week’s field.
Garrett jumped into the World’s top 100 players to No.95, moving up 77 places in two weeks after her recent back-to-back victories in the Tenerife Ladies Open and the Ladies Spanish Open.
The 23-year-old champion is looking to make it three titles in a row this week, but only if she can overcome a stomach upset that has left her in agony since her victory on Sunday.
European women golf’s hottest new property said: “I’ll give it a run but I’ll be happy to make the cut this week. I’ve been hitting a few indifferent shots in the practise round. My stomach feels really, really bad. I feel like I know what contractions are now!”
The second instalment of the Deutsche Bank Ladies Swiss Open this week features an extremely strong field with 19 of the top 20 players on the New Star Money List in attendance.
England’s Rebecca Hudson, ranked second on the New Star Money List, finished second in last week’s Spanish Open and is hoping to go one better in Switzerland. Meanwhile Wales’ Becky Brewerton (ranked 5th) is back in action after a break last week due to a stomach illness. England’s Trish Johnson, (ranked 6th) is also in the field and hoping to secure Solheim Cup points and her first victory since the 2004 Wales Ladies Open.
South African Ashleigh Simon, who turned 18 on Friday 11th May, has received an invitation to play in the tournament and as she turned professional on Saturday, she will compete for a pay-cheque for the first time.
