SOUTH KOREA’S Shin Jiyai chases her second women’s British Open title, on top of the world and on top of her game.

Two years ago, when she won at Sunningdale, she was barely known outside of her own country.

Now, fresh from winning the Evian Masters in France on Sunday, she is ranked world number one again and Royal Birkdale holds no great fears for her.

“I love links golf and it would be great to win this major again,” the 22-year-old said. “When I won at Sunningdale two years ago it made a really big change in my life. Up until then, getting to play on the LPGA Tour was just a dream. It gave me so much confidence and just made a huge difference to everything.”

Shin experienced links golf for the first time at last year’s British Open at Royal Lytham, finishing a creditable eighth. “I think I like this course better,” she said. “There are not so many blind shots. But I love links golf. You have to wear so many clothes and think of lots of different shots.”

Shin’s win in France was the first this season and it came just six weeks after an emergency appendix operation. “I felt ready to play about two weeks ago – Sunday proved I was ready to win again,” she said.

Paula Creamer, winner of the US Open three weeks ago, is another seeking a second major after a season of injury. The 23-year-old had a thumb operation at the start of the year and is still not fully fit.

“Last week (in Evian) was difficult and I wasn’t sure if I could practice on Monday,” she said. “But it’s not too bad. After surgery you never know if you are going to be able to play again, never mind compete at the highest level.

“Winning (the US Open) at Oakmont was such a breakthrough. I had come close to winning majors before, but now I know what it takes to actually do it.”

Catriona Matthew, who won the Open last year was another in confident mood.

“I have looked forward to this week all year,” she said. “I love the course and my game is in pretty good shape.”

Irish hopes for the title lie with Martina Gillen and Rebecca Coakley.

Birkdale stats

Course: Royal Birkdale, Southport, north of Liverpool.

Length: 6,465 yards. Par: 72.

Prizemoney: €2 million (€300,000 for the winner)

Layout: One of Britain's great links, venue for Pádraig Harrington's 2008 British Open victory. Second time to stage Women's British Open.

Field: 144.

Defending champion:Scotland's Catriona Matthews won by three shots from Karrie Webb at Royal Lytham.

On TV:BBC 2, 14.00-17.30.

Weather forecast:Partly cloudy today, high 180C. Rain on Friday and Saturday.