Lexus Cup back in Singapore with Sorenstam and Pak as captains

By Peter Rutherford SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The Lexus Cup returns to Singapore in November for the fourth edition of the ladies team competition with Pak Se-ri and Annika Sorenstam lined up as captains of Team Asia and International.

The LPGA sanctioned tournament, hosted by the city-state for the first two years before moving to Perth, Australia in 2007, takes place November 28-30 at the Singapore Island Country Club.

Asia have won the last two events after Team International took the inaugural competition in 2005.

Sorenstam, who has captained Team International since the outset, said the event would carry extra significance this year since she was set to retire from competitive golf at the end of the season.

"it is a bittersweet year for me as I step away from competitive golf and focus on other facets of my life...," the Swede said in a statement on Thursday.

"It is apt that the Lexus Cup returns to Singapore where it first began. We will be working on improving our game and hope to give Team Asia a run for their money and regain the title we first won here in 2005."

The tournament, which features 12 players on each team, is played under foursomes, fourballs and singles format. Players will earn berths through the rankings or official LPGA money list but the captains will also have special picks.

South Korean Pak, who was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame last year and led Asia to a thumping 15-9 victory last year, said she was hungry for more success.

"It was an amazing feeling to hoist the Lexus Cup trophy last year with my team mates and I am thrilled to be invited to be captain again this year," said Pak, a winner of five majors.

(Editing by John O'Brien)