GOLF: Brits talk up chances

Yorkshire's Kiran Matharu, Kent's Dani Masters and last year's winner Becky Brewerton, from Wales, are among the favourites for the event that runs from July 4-6.

Brewerton said: "To get my first win last year at the LEO was massive.

"The funny thing is after the Pro-Am I didn't think I had much of a chance of winning because I was terrible, quite possibly the worst I had ever played as a professional.

"But I played well all week after that and it does show you that your form maybe doesn't mean as much as you think it does."

Brewerton admits there will be more pressure on her this time round as defending champion.

She added: "I guess there is a little bit more, but with it being a new venue it will be a little different.

"It's not as if it is the same venue and I haven't been to The Oxfordshire before."

Matharu, 18, has yet to win on the Ladies European Tour since turning pro last year.

She said: "I do feel as if I could win at any time. My chipping and putting has been very good and it has just been my long game letting me down.

"I have had the wrong shafts on my clubs recently so when I get that sorted I think I will be very close.

"I'm really looking forward to the LEO because I have never played at The Oxfordshire before and it is always nice to play in your own country.

"It would be nice to win it because it is in England, but to be honest it doesn't really matter to me which tournament I win - as long as I start winning."

Masters, 25, had a strong start to the year before picking up an ankle injury.

"It is annoying because I had been playing some really good golf in the weeks before that and I hope I can continue that into the summer and the LEO," she said.

"I am really excited about it. My ankle should get better and I am really looking forward to playing at The Oxfordshire. If my ankle is OK I would like to think my chances are pretty good."

For more information and tickets, log on to www.ladiesenglishopen.co.uk.