World number seven Yin Ruoning of China was in good spirits during her press conference at the KLGCC on Tuesday (Oct 30, 2025).
World number seven Yin Ruoning of China knows it won't be an easy task retaining her title, not with a strong field of competitors - including a fired-up Jeeno Thitikul, the world No. 1 - gunning for her this time.
But the 23-year-old Ruoning Ruoning is undaunted and has promised to deliver another strong performance at the KLGCC.
"I'd love to defend my title, but there are a lot of great players this week. I think the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) players are getting stronger and stronger.
"So, I would say there is a chance for me to defend my title, but there are a lot of great players out there as well. I just plan to play my best out there," she said at a press conference here today.
With a thrilling, bogey-free final round of 65, Ruoning eked out a one-stroke victory over her close friend Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand to secure her fifth career win on the LPGA Tour last year.
The 22-year-old will seek to successfully defend her title for the second time during the LPGA Tour's Asian swing, having finished tied for 26th in her last title defence at the Buick LPGA Shanghai.
The major champion has three top five finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2025, her most recent coming at the US Women's Open in May as she’s played a limited schedule over the latter half of the season.
"I always play good here. I played good in 2023 (finishing 14th) and I won last year," she said. "Asia has such good food and good vibe. I would say this is one of my favourite stops all year.
"I would love to defend my title but there is a lot of great players this week. I think the LPGA players are getting stronger and stronger. Only one multiple winner this year (Thitikul), so I would say there is a chance for me to defend my title but there is a lot of great players as well. I think I just plan to play my best out there.''
She is certainly keeping her expectations in check considering the strong field assembled for the LPGA no-cut event.
Other top contenders include world No. 1 Thitikul, Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, the 2023 inaugural champion Celine Boutier of France, and Major winners Grace Kim from Australia and Miyu Yamashita from Japan.
Ruoning's focus is on improving her ball striking before thinking of anything else.
"I would say right now I'm focused on my ball striking. I'm still working on my putting, try to hold more putts.
"The course is in great condition. Probably one of the best conditions we play all year. I think if it I can shoot five-under every day, probably Sunday will be a good placing."
"I mean, if I can get a win that would be great. But I think at the end of the day, the most important thing is if I can learn something every day. If I can get maybe even 1% better every day, I think that's more important for me than winning."
