Is Maria Verchenova the Maria Sharapova of Golf?
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Generally I’m not a fan of labels or comparisons. But Maria Verchenova, a young female golfer from Moscow, is being compared to her compatriot Maria Sharapova. These comparisons, not surprisingly, are based as much on Verchenova’s beauty as her athleticism. So who is Maria Verchenova?
Despite a lack of golfing opportunities in Russia during her childhood, Verchenova took to the game at a young age. In 2004 she won the Russian Amateur Championship and did the same again in 2006. In 2007 she qualified for the Ladies European Tour (LET), and has since cashed in all but one “regular” tour event she’s played so far. Verchenova has also recently qualified to play in the upcoming Women’s British Open.
As the first Russian to earn full-time membership on the Ladies’ European Tour, she’s had a number of strong finishes, including a Dubai Ladies’ Masters performance in which she briefly dueled with Annika Sorenstam for the lead.
Before turning pro, Verchenova was the Russian amateur champ in 2004 and 2006, and also won the amateur championships of Austria, Latvia and Slovenia.
Golf365 had a recent interview with Verchenova and lead with this:
Gymnastics, athletics, tennis - all of these sports have been conquered and graced by the ladies of Russia in the last 40 years.
What all of the successful athletes in these sports have shared is a natural flair for sport, a determination to make the most of their talent, a passion for competition and a beguiling nature that has captured the imagination of the world.
And where the likes of Svetlana Khorkina, Yelena Isinbayeva and Maria Sharapova have already travelled, golf’s Maria Verchenova hopes to follow.
In the interview, Verchenova talks about her role in the game:
Russia doesn’t have programs such as Korea, Japan, countries in Europe or the U.S. have. We have support in tennis and hockey but not in golf so this is something we have to work on. It has been tough for me to get to this level considering the difficulties which came to me along my young career. I wish I could have had more support and experienced people to rely on in the past. But the exciting part is that I can be this person for the next generation and this is priceless! I will do all my best to be a good pioneer and give back.
Verchenova, who has done modeling shoots, has admitted that Russian tennis star Sharapova is a role model. Yet Verchenova is very clear about what she takes from her admiration of Sharapova:
I am looking at Maria, not because of the way she looks but because of the way she plays. I think Russian women are strong mentally. They are trying really hard and they are achieving things.
We love the fact that Verhenova brings a a potent dose of style and beauty to the game but hope that when we hear about her in the future it will be primarily because of her talent. Let her game do the talking, as this is her stated goal.
Being attractive shouldn’t be a burden for an athlete. In fact physical beauty can open doors; it’s foolish to deny that. But it shouldn’t define who Verchenova is as a golfer or a woman. We look forward to following what is hopefully a long and successful career.
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View Original Post at prettytough.com
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- Golf, Sports, SportsPLUS, Career, Media/Marketing, International/World
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