Zika won’t stop me: Chinese number one Feng Shanshan excited for Olympic bow despite virus concerns
The Chinese ace is not allowing concerns over the Zika virus to affect her preparation
China number one Feng Shanshan said on Thursday that she was looking forward to participating in the upcoming Rio Olympics, despite concerns about the Zika virus that has caused many of the top men’s players to drop out of the Brazil Games.
Speaking in Shandong province where she will tee off at the Kumho Tyre Ladies Open on Friday, the world No 12 said as she had no plans of having a baby in the next two or three years it was important to support golf’s return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence.
“This is my first Olympic Games and might be my last, so this is my only chance. I would not skip this chance for such a thing (Zika virus). Furthermore, I think China golf needs this Olympic Games. As a Chinese golfer I must take part,” said the Guangdong native, a winner of 16 tournaments worldwide, including a major title at the 2012 LPGA Championship.
The Weihai event could prove pivotal for Hong Kong golfer Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, who is all but assured of her spot in Rio if she makes the cut in Shandong.
With such players as world number one Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Lee-Anne Pace, among others, announcing that they would not play in Rio de Janeiro on concerns of the Zika virus, the 26-year-old Feng said they had decided on their own and their decisions must be respected.