BUICK LPGA SHANGHAI

October 14, 2026

Jeeno Thitikul

Ruoning Yin

Celine Boutier

Sei Young Kim

Qizhong Garden Golf Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: The first question is for Jeeno Thitikul, defending champion of this tournament, this championship, this event. You have played four victories this season. What goals have you set for yourself this week? And if you get a chance to win the Order of Merit, the second half, if you had the chance to win the Order of Merit for the third consecutive year, what would it meant to you?

JEENO THITIKUL: First of all, I'm not too sure (indiscernible), but also where it is, I know it's a lot of talented players and a lot of players that that been a goal in this season.

But the golf events, I mean, I love China. I love Chinese food. I think to eat as much Chinese food should be my goal this week. I mean, golf-wise it's kind of second tier. I been trying to enjoy.

I just went back to Thailand last week. I love this period of golf because we are in Asia and I was home. I feel like playing Asia is my favorite part of the year, so we trying to enjoy that.

You know, being here, doing 100 percent of events.

Q. What about the second half? If you had a chance to win the Order of Merit?

JEENO THITIKUL: It would mean the world to me for sure. It would mean like, you know, that all the sacrifice that I have done for golf is really like meant -- like meaningful and meant to be for -- not for me, but all the team, too, and in the future.

So we'll see. Besides I have to pay more tax, but, yeah. (Laughter.)

THE MODERATOR: Second question?

Q. Ruoning, you had the great honor to claim medals during the Asian Games. Also happy, delighted playing in front of home fans. (Not sure where Q ends/A begins.)

RUONING YIN: I think it's just like going home. It was a great honor to claim medals during the Asian Games. Also very happy and very delighted playing in front of home fans. (Indiscernible.) It's always good to start something new, but I think this is the very beginning for Chinese golf. (Laughter.)

Q. This question is to Sei Young. You played all of the first five Buick LPGA events here and must be your sixth time in Shanghai. What makes you keep this tournament on your schedule and if you have a memory here?

SEI YOUNG KIM: I like the visiting China and Shanghai. The city is really convenience, close to my country, and then great weather when we play the Shanghai tournament.

And then course is amazing, especially this year.

Also I had a good result past year, so that's why I always say I have to be here.

So also I'm very looking forward this week, though, and everybody play well, not just me.

THE MODERATOR: Next question.

Q. This question is to Celine Boutier. Buick LPGA Shanghai is the opening event Asian Swing. For and you other players, as far as you know, what is special about kicking off this stretch in Shanghai and what preparations have you made for this tournament week and upcoming Asian events?

CELINE BOUTIER: Yeah, it's always an fun to get started in Shanghai. This tournament has kind of been improved year after year, so it's been fun to see how it's improved every year, how big it's become and how much fan support we have now.

I think it's just a great way to also start out the Asian Swing. It's fun for people to visit also outside of just the golf course. This year's golf course is also a really good challenge, so I think it just gets us ready for the rest of the few events in Asia.

And personally, I didn't really know what to expect for this year's course so I wasn't really able to like prepare specially for this course. I just try to get my game to improve in all areas and hopefully be ready enough for this week.

THE MODERATOR: Next question.

Q. This question is to Sei Young. You won Rookie of the Year in 2015 and Player of the Year in 2020. You have remained highly competitive over the years with many new generational players Vegas emerging on the Tour. What do you think the most important quality is to stay competitive long-term? Is it technique? Mentality? Or the ability to...

SEI YOUNG KIM: I think I still love to compete young generation, and then we play last tournament and it was great compete with Ronni. I got a lot from the young players, so it's good motivation from them. So used to more time I compete with the older player but it's feel like different; but now it's more the tougher to reach the win.

So yeah, now I more the working hard than the younger, but, yeah, I just do my best until the end my career. That's what I want to do.

Q. Question goes to Celine. You really gained your winning form this year, looking back on the adjustment, what key changes did you make and what kind of form and goals do you bring into this year's Buick LPGA Shanghai?

CELINE BOUTIER: Yeah, I don't think I made any changing really. I just feel like my game just kind of been improving throughout the year, and then to be able to win again in June was definitely very rewarding. I don't think I changed anything prior to that week specifically.

I just tried to improve week to week and be in contention more often. But it's kind of challenging, and as Sei Young said the talent is getting better and better every year, so it's definitely getting challenging.

I just try my best and try to improve week to week and hopefully this week will be a good result.

THE MODERATOR: Next one?

Q. Question to Ruoning. Champion of the LPGA Buick Shanghai and now tournament (indiscernible). What special expectations do you have for this week and what areas are you hoping to make breakthroughs?

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Ruoning.

RUONING YIN: (Through translation.)...especially in front of her home fans. I practice this couple days on this golf course. I found some par-4 holes are very challenging, especially for my iron play, so I might want to approach -- strategy is the key, is very important, so I've improve.

Hopefully what I do, what I breakthrough, what I hope to achieve is I want to on... (indiscernible.)

Q. The question goes Jeeno. Last year when you stayed in Shanghai, Ruoning treated you to fish soup. Have you had a meal together again this year?

RUONING YIN: What food you want me to take you?

JEENO THITIKUL: You haven't take me.

RUONING YIN: (Indiscernible.)

JEENO THITIKUL: I mean, like we had -- last year the hotel nearby the mall, just kind of easier for us to walk away. I mean, every time I was here and then Ronni took me to the (indiscernible), right? What's the name of that restaurant?

RUONING YIN: (Indiscernible.)

JEENO THITIKUL: She say in Chinese, say the name. But, I mean, I told her, like I asked and we talking today and she said she will but I don't know when yet. She say she will, but, I mean, Chinese food going to be number one anyway.

RUONING YIN: ... Chinese food.

JEENO THITIKUL: I mean, it's like first day that I landed here, I mean, I don't know how I -- can I deal with the restaurant with like all Chinese, but I love to try a lot of things in China anyway.

Q. Did she pay for it? (Laughter.)