Feng Shanshan, China's nine-time LPGA champion and current women's world No 6, has been nominated for the best female golfer at this year's ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards.

The third athlete from Chinese mainland to be nominated, the 29-year-old faced a tough battle against other three top female golf players – Inbee Park and Sung-hyun Park from South Korea, and Ariya Jutanugarn from Thailand – for the award to be announced on July 18.

In 2011, Chinese tennis legend Li Na was nominated for the best female tennis player and best breakthrough athlete awards, while former NBA center Yao Ming gained a nomination in 2003.

Feng, a native of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, has had an illustrious sporting career, topping the world rankings in women’s golf and stayed atop the throne for 23 weeks. She is also a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her medal is the first that a Chinese has ever won for golf at the Olympics.