Sports Players

Maria Verchenova - shown above in a pose for a Russian magazine - is among the first wave of Russian golfers to make an impact on the world's major tours. Maria made it through Ladies European Tour qualifying in 2006, joining the LET for the 2007 season. She made four of 12 cuts in that rookie season, but did post her first top 10 that year. In 2008, Maria has cashed in all but one "regular" tour event she's played so far, and also qualified for her first major, the Women's British Open. She finished fifth at the Ladies Tenerife Open.

Before turning pro, Verchenova was the Russian amateur champ in 2004 and 2006, and also won the amateur championships of Austria, Latvia and Slovenia.