Yani Tseng repeats as LPGA Player of Year

YANG MEI, Taiwan, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- World No. 1 Yani Tseng was honored as the LPGA Player of the Year Tuesday, the second straight season in which she has claimed the sport's top honor.

Tseng, who holds a significant lead in the world rankings, accepted the award just before the inaugural Sunrise LPGA Championship in her native Taiwan.

The five-time major champion -- who at six victories has won more than twice as many tournaments as anyone else this year -- was an easy choice for the accolade.

She is leading the money list by more than $1 million.

"It feels very special for me to have the award announced in Taiwan," Tseng said. "I feel like especially this week I can be sure to honor all of the fans in Taiwan and I really appreciate the LPGA Tour for giving me the opportunity."

"Yani is a true global ambassador of the LPGA and the game of golf and nowhere is that more evident than in her native Taiwan," LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan said.