Pace lifts the trophy at Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club in 2010

Lee-Anne Pace is relishing the prospect of a battle against world number one Yani Tseng at the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open in China this week.

The 2010 Henderson Money List winner from South Africa feels she has a strong chance of retaining the title she clinched 12 months ago in a four-way play-off against Christel Boeljon, Julieta Granada and Hannah Jun.  

It was her fifth tournament victory during a career year on the Ladies European Tour and though she is yet to seal a victory in 2011, she has already come close.

With six top-10 finishes on the LET this season, including two runner-up spots in Switzerland and Spain, her confidence remains high.

“I wouldn’t play if I didn’t think I could win. I tee up every week hoping to win. I have been playing quite well this year; I just haven’t been able to pull it through yet,” Pace told reporters at a media conference at Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club on Wednesday.

“Obviously I have got really good memories of last year, winning here and playing the golf course. I always enjoy playing it and it’s in good condition. As for winning goes, I’m just going to play my best and see what happens.”

Pace is a fan of China, having won back-to-back titles last year at the Sanya Ladies Open and the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open. She enjoys the culture and cuisine, especially beef noodles.

“I really enjoy playing here and came a bit early to spend some time in Shanghai. I love Suzhou and Sanya, so only good things to say.

“The hotel is great; the golf course is in good condition. It is a little bit cold weather at the moment but I think the weather will be good for us.”

Last year Pace posted rounds of 71, 72 and 68 to come from six shots behind and force a tie-breaker at 211, five under par for the tournament.

She had an eagle putt to win on the first extra hole, but three-putted the par-five 18th to stay locked in the battle with Boeljon and Jun.

At the second time of asking, she hit the green in two shots again and took a birdie four to seal the win.