June 16, 2004

DURHAM, N.C. - Through the first four sectional qualifying events of the 2004 U.S. Women's Open, the Duke program already has two golfers- Niloufar Aazam-Zanganeh and Virada Nirapathpongporn- who have qualified to play at the Par 71, 6,473-yard Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Mass., on July 1-4.

Aazam-Zanganeh, a rising senior from Lausanne, Switzerland, won the sectional qualifying event on June 15 at the Country Club of Spartanburg in Spartanburg, S.C. with a total of 143. She was one of only three golfers who qualified from the site. The U.S. Open appearance will be the first in her career for Aazam-Zanganeh.

Last season, Aazam-Zanganeh missed all of the fall campaign due to hip surgery and only appeared in three spring tournaments.

"This is really impressive what Niloufar has done in the two qualifying events," said Duke Head Coach Dan Brooks. "Because I know her I am not surprised, but people should be impressed by what she has accomplished, after what she has gone through this past year. She was not able to play any golf in the fall and only saw limited time in the spring, but she has continued to work hard and improve her game."

Nirapathpongporn will be making her third straight appearance in the U.S. Open, after carding a 147 at the Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield, Mich., on June 14. After missing the cut the last two years, Nirapathpongporn will be playing in the U.S. Open for the first time as a professional.

Currently playing on the FUTURES Golf Tour, Nirapathpongporn has played in three events earning $1,661.

Other Blue Devils will be looking to qualify for the U.S. Open on June 17, 21 and 22.

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