For Tseng, home in US is where the inspiration is

The first thing Tseng Ya-ni did after moving into her new house in the US was run into the bedroom and fling herself on to the bed.

"It was previously owned by Annika (Sorenstam). She was a great in the sport and I hope I can gain some luck and motivation from where she lived," said the 20-year-old from Chinese Taipei of her new abode in Orlando, Florida.

"I like the house so much. It is big and has so many rooms," the rising women's golfer said during last weekend's Orient China Ladies Open in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Tseng turned professional in 2007 and finished sixth in the final LPGA qualifying tournament in December of that year to earn full playing privileges on the LPGA Tour in 2008.

In June of last year she claimed her first LPGA tour victory - the LPGA Championship - to become the first player from Chinese Taipei to win a major LPGA event. She also was the youngest player to win that title.

Now living in the former world No 1's house, the current world No 4 cannot hide her ambition to emulate the Swede and stand atop the world rankings in the near future.

"Yes, I am thinking of how to follow in her steps and become world No 1. There are so many things in the house that Annika used during her career. It's kind of inspiring me."

The $2 million property cost almost all of the prizemoney Tseng has earned so far but she is confident she can raise her game and make much more money on the tour.

"I was nearly bankrupt after buying the house and I have to pay the bank every month but it's all worth it because it is a special feeling to live in your own house. Having to pay the (bank) loan will just force me to work harder and win more tournaments."

As the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2008, Tseng has every reason to feel confident about the future.

On March 29, she became the fastest player in LPGA history to reach the $2 million mark in career earnings. She achieved that in 32 events, spanning a mere one year, one month and 13 days. The previous record was held by American Paula Creamer in one year, four months and 15 days in 2006.

"I was lucky when I started to pick up the sport because my family and friends supported me financially. Now I can earn my own money."

However, Tseng said she will not strive to win every event she enters.

"Whether I win or lose, I will not push myself too much. I will tell myself to enjoy every game. Things only get worse if you put yourself under too much pressure."

Tseng, who will turn 21 next month, said she became more mature after hitting the most difficult time of her career in the middle of this year.

"I pushed myself too much. At that time, I felt that if I could not win the tournament I would be a total loser. That kind of pressure made me collapse. I could not find myself and had some very bad performances."

Tseng turned to a psychologist and climbed out of her funk, step by step.

She said it was ultimately a "good experience" and will benefit her in the future. "After overcoming that mental barrier, I now know how to handle myself when under pressure."

One of her key targets on the horizon is the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"It's everyone's dream to play at an Olympics. If I keep playing well I have a very good chance (of making the Games). I just cannot wait to ask the sports department in Chinese Taipei to set up the Olympic team."

Source: China Daily