Wilson Golf has announced the signing of Russia's top female player.

Just over one week after ending their contract with Karen Stupples the former British Womans Open Champion  club manufacturer Wilson Golf has announced the signing of Russia's top female player Maria Balikoeva. Maria is best known for becoming the first Russian lady to qualify for the Ladies European Tour in 2007.Now 26 years old she has just returned to the Tour after the birth of her first child.

Florida-based Briton Stupples was  hoping her deal with Wilson would remain in place for the 2013 season.
She heads to the Australian Open for her first tournament of the year later this week.

Stupples, who won her only major to date with victory at the 2004 Women's British Open, claimed she had lost her contract because Wilson was moving away from the women's game.
The English star tweeted: "Just got word from @WilsonGolf  that they no longer want to market to women... so they are one and done with me."
The announcement of Balikoeva's deal shows this not to be the case. "It re-affirms Wilson Golf's commitment to the ladies game," said Doug Wright, the company's business director for Europe.

   

Karen Stupples