BEIJING - The China LPGA's (CLPGA) efforts to expand the tour nationwide took a major step forward recently with the announcement of a new event - the Chengdu Grand Hill Challenge from Aug 5-7 in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

It will mark the first time the women's tour will come to a city in the country's west.

"We have been focusing on the women's tour as Chinese women have more chances to achieve breakthroughs on the international stage," said Zhang Xiaoning, vice-president of the Chinese Golf Association (CGA).