Taiwan's former world number one Tseng Yani hopes the emotional lift of playing well for her country in the LPGA International Crown might turn around more than just her season.
The five-time major winner sank a 10-foot birdie putt on the last hole to give Taiwan a sweep of opening matches against the Americans, who had four of the world's 12 top players but never led at any stage in either match.
"I actually feel like hopefully this is a turning point for the rest of my life," Tseng said. "I felt great because I don't worry about myself. I don't care if I can hit the ball. I just trust myself."
Tseng, who has not won a major since the 2011 Women's British Open, revived her thrill for the game, saying she has not felt such emotion since her 2010 Women's British Open win at Birkdale.
"I was really nervous. I felt very pumped up playing for my country and my teammates. It's much more motivation," It's much more motivation.
"I made that last birdie putt and my hands were shaking. Last time my hands were shaking like that was when I won at Royal Birkdale. I haven't had this feeling for a long time."
Tseng, who has fallen to 53rd in the world rankings, hopes to recapture the form that has brought her 15 LPGA wins and 2010 and 2011 LPGA Player of Year awards as well as the world number one ranking.
"It's just incredible. I love the feeling," Tseng said. "I'm all juiced up. I hit it longer and I smile all the way. I was freaking out. I told myself to walk like a champ."
Tseng said she felt like the "Yani of old" and added, "I'm very happy to know my game is still there. It just all about the mental."
But world number one Stacy Lewis, who came out a loser to Tseng and Phoebe Yao, says she needs to see more before pronouncing Tseng as back on form.
"I wouldn't say it's Yani of old, but she just made some putts," Lewis said. "She didn't hit it perfect but she just made putts and it best ball that's what it comes down to.
"The Yani of a couple years ago, she hit it a lot harder. Today a lot of her drives were line drives. When she was winning all those tournaments she hit it like Lexi does now, really high, carried it really far.
"To get back to where she was, probably has to get back to that point."
Tseng replied: "I hit it great today. I almost hit it where I wanted to so I feel great."
Source: AFP
