Sport | Golf
Nocera returns to defend her Lalla Meryem Cup title
Gwladys Nocera will be aiming to make it two-in-a-row when she competes in the forthcoming Lalla Meryem Cup, which is being held alongside the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar at the Royal Golf Club of Dar Es-Salam from November 4 to 9.
- Staff Report
- Published: 22:58 November 1, 2008
Dubai: Gwladys Nocera will be aiming to make it two-in-a-row when she competes in the forthcoming Lalla Meryem Cup, which is being held alongside the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar at the Royal Golf Club of Dar Es-Salam from November 4 to 9.
The four-time European champion Nocera will join veteran Laura Davies, Lotta Wahlin and Rebecca Hudson in the field contesting for honours in the $100,000 event, which began in 1993.
Currently enjoying a rich vein of form, Nocera has already managed 10 top-10 finishes this season which includes three titles, one runner-up and three third-placed finishes.
Her run of successes firmly puts her in the frame to challenge for the season-ending Ladies European Tour event in Dubai.
She currently leads the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit ahead of Helen Alfredsson of Sweden.
"I am really looking forward to playing in Rabat," said the 38-year-old Frenchwoman, who was voted as the Player of the Year in 2006.
"It's always a great fun playing there even though it's not a European Ladies Tour event. The hospitality is simply fantastic and so are the people.
"I am hitting the ball well and my concentration is in top gear.
"I could have done even better this season, but that's golf: things do not always fall in place however hard you try," said Nocera, who carded a 10-under-par 209 on the Blue course last year to win the tournament.
"To win the Lalla Meryem Cup represents many things," said Nocera.
"I am very proud to have won this tournament and to have responded to those who said I was the favourite.
Confident
"I am confident of repeating the feat, but for that to happen I will have to be on top of my game as the field this year includes seasoned players like Laura Davies," added Nocera, a two-time Solheim Cup player.
"Tournaments like the Lalla Meryem Cup have gone a long way in promoting the game of golf among women and I am delighted to be part of the event once again.
Tournament organisers said they were delighted that Nocera was returning to defend her title.
Mohammad Chaibi, Executive Director of the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar,
He said: "With Gwladys returning to defend her title and Laura Davies making her debut, we are looking forward to seeing some exciting golf."
Nocera currently leads the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit. She has won three times this season and finished in the top-10 of 10 tournaments.
Share this article
Popular in Sport
-
Pictures
Famous female golfers
A look at some famous female golfers, teeing off with Annika Sorenstam
Sport Editor's choice
-
Disappointing to lose, says Federer
Missing the start cost him match at O2 Arena, Swiss master says
-
Sea Dubai surge to win yacht race
Team finish well ahead of the rest and kept best till last
-
Kanpur century catapults Gambhir
Opener's leap pushes Sri Lankan duo of Jayawardene and Sangakkara
