Defending champion Lincicome, world No. 1 Yang highlight Canadian Open field

COQUITLAM, B.C. – Defending champion Brittany Lincicome and world No. 1 Yani Tseng will highlight a competitive field when the LPGA’s CN Canadian Women’s Open begins next week.

Golf Canada announced Wednesday that 48 of the top 50 earners on the current LPGA Tour money list will take part in the event at the Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam. Stacey Lewis, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr and teenage sensation Alexis Thompson will also be in the field.

The only players in the top 50 not competing next week are injured golfers Se Ri Pak (shoulder) and Caroline Hedwell (hip).

The field will also feature 16 Canadians, including Tour veterans Alena Sharp of Hamilton and Lorie Kane of Charlottetown. A Canadian hasn’t won the event since Jocelyne Bourassa’s victory in 1973.

The $2-million tournament opens Monday as qualifiers try for one of the final four available spots in the field.