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Singapore, 23 February 2012 – Angela Stanford, one of the long standing players on the LPGA Tour, sits at the top of a powerhouse field at this year’s HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore, with an opening round of six-under-par 66 to take the first round lead today at Tanah Merah Country Club. Stanford, who played in the third group of the day from the tenth tee, dominated the 63 player strong field. The 34-year-old, currently with four LPGA victories to her name, had a steady 2011 season with nine top ten finishes, ending the year in seventh place on the money list. Currently in her twelfth year on the LPGA Tour, Stanford is two shots clear of world number three Na Yeon Choi, Amy Yang, So Yeon Ryu and I.K Kim. The quartet who are flying the flag for South Korea, scored an impressive four-under-par 68 to share second place with Japan’s rising star Momoko Ueda, after 18 holes on the tournament’s Garden Course. Stanford, who led after 36 holes in 2010, went out in 32, courtesy of birdies at the first, second, seventh and ninth, securing her the lead in the fifth edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions. Two further birdies on the back nine meant she returned in 34 to score an impressive 66, just one off the course record accomplished by golfing legend Lorena Ochoa in the inaugural HSBC Women’s Champions back in 2008. Speaking of her impressive performance, Stanford said, “Well it was a pretty good start, (I) birdied 10 and hit it pretty close on 11. In the past I think I've struggled with that stretch right there, 10,11, 12. So the fact that I hit some pretty solid shots off the bat kind of gave me some confidence throughout the round.” Stanford spoke of her confidence heading in to Day Two, “I think today more than a couple of years ago helped just with confidence. You know, when you're playing with the best players in the world, you just have got to stay out in front of them. So any chances you get to have a good day and get out in front of this field, you have to jump on it. So if anything, last week, I had a really bad first round. Well, you're playing catch up all week. So at least now I can continue with my game plan and, you know, hopefully continue like this. But it just really hard when you're playing against the best when you dig a hole and to come back. Maybe (after) your first round, you get comfortable on this course.” Ueda’s compatriot and 2010 HSBC Women’s Champions winner, Ai Miyazato, led the seven-player pack into third place alongside Rolex Rankings’ number four Cristie Kerr, Shanshan Feng, Katie Futcher, Vicky Hurst, Kirsty McPherson and Jenny Shin. World Number One and winner of last week’s LPGA event in Thailand, Yani Tseng, is among a group of nine players in equal 20th position after rounds of one-under 71, while Singapore’s local favourite, Koh Sock Hwee, had a tough day after carding an 82 but remained readily optimistic about enjoying the rest of the tournament. Koh said, “I just want to go and enjoy (myself). I mean, today, not saying I didn't enjoy, but first I think (I put) just too much pressure on myself and I just forget. I know I need to just play and enjoy the atmosphere. I think I just want to start that tomorrow, and the score - just let it happen.” South Korean star and second place holder Na Yeon Choi, had a strong first round scoring four birdies in the first nine to score 32, replicating that of Stanford. However a bogey on the sixteenth ensured the American kept the lead. Choi spoke of her experience out on the course today, stating, “Well, (it’s) very hot out there, but I had I think a pretty solid day…I had one bogey on 16, but you know, I really don't have any regret for that shot. And then I tried to focus on my game and then I tried to trust myself, and then me and my caddie, we worked very hard today.” Amongst the other international stars in the HSBC Women’s Champions’ stellar field, Spanish hero Azahara Munoz and 2009 HSBC Women’s Champion Jiyai Shin, (world number seven), posted opening-rounds of two under 70 to be tied 14th.Paula Creamer (fifth), Stacy Lewis (nine) and Brittany Lincicome (currently eight) were in a group one shot behind them. Defending Champion and world number twenty, Karrie Webb, finished on even, 72. Featuring ‘the champion of champions’ from the women’s game, the second round of the HSBC Women’s Champions will tee off tomorrow (Friday) at 8.30 am at the Garden Course at Tanah Merah Country Club. The leading group (Stanford, Momoko and Yang) will play at 10.20 am, with the 72-hole championship offering a first prize cheque of US$210,000 to the winner. Marquee names Tseng, Creamer and Lewis (8.52 am) and Kerr (9.36 am) will all play from the first, while Pettersen (9.14 am) and Gulbis (9.58 am) will play from the 10th. Host Country Qualifier will join American favourite Michelle Wie at 10.09 am, also from the 10th. For more information on the HSBC Women’s Champions 2012, please visit the tournament website at http://www.hsbcgolf.com/womens. Rd1 Scorecards Rd1 Summary Rd2 Pairings