Barcelona native Anna Arrese will defend her title at the Women's International of Portugal from January 27th to 30th, a title she won last year after a fantastic comeback. The 81st edition of the tournament will be held at the Aroeira course, near Lisbon, and will feature around fifteen Spanish golfers.

This tournament, which usually kicks off the women's international season in Europe, will feature large contingents of German (23), French (17), English, and Irish (5) players this year. In addition, Welsh, Italian, Belgian, Scottish, and Dutch golfers will compete in Aroeira.

The Spanish contingent is deservedly led by Anna Arrese, who last year wrote one of the most exciting chapters in the tournament's history with an impressive comeback that denied Germany's Lara Katzy the victory. Katzy is once again one of the main contenders for the title this year. With a 67 in the final round, the former National School player turned the standings around to finish one stroke ahead of the German.

In addition, Noemí Jiménez from Malaga and Mireia Prat from Barcelona, who finished third and fourth respectively in the 2010 edition, will be competing again in the International de Portugal. Ana Fernández de Mesa from Cadiz, Camilla Hedberg also from Barcelona, and Rocío Sánchez from Malaga will be other Spanish hopes.

This tournament is considered one of the favorites of Spanish players, as it has fallen into their hands in 12 of the last 25 editions held.

Before Anna Arrese's feat, the last Spanish player to win in Portugal was Carlota Ciganda from Navarre, who did so in 2008 in Benamor with a spectacular performance, including a course record (63). In addition, over the last two decades, Macarena Campomanes (1984), Tania Abitbol (1985), María del Carmen Navarro (1986 and 1987), Sonia Navarro (1990), Laura Navarro (1992), Marina Arruti (1993), Dolores Cortezo (1995), Ana Belén Sánchez (1997), Nuria Clau (1999), and Marta Silva (2006) have also won.