Zhang looks for home success in Volvo China Open

There is no place like home for Chinese trailblazer Zhang Lian-wei as he dreams of a second title in the US$1.3 million Volvo China Open from November 24-27.

The 40-year-old Zhang is undoubtedly China's greatest golf export with five Asian Tour triumphs including wins over big-name players such as Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Nick Price.

With the Volvo China Open being staged on his home course, the Shenzhen Golf Club, the self-taught golfer is looking to sparkle at a venue which saw him lift his maiden professional victory some 10 years ago.

"I am very pleased to be able to play so close to home, and having my family and friends so close will be very nice. I will also be able to stay at home each night and spend time with my children, Apple and Tiger," said Zhang.

"I always feel very comfortable playing on home soil and that helps me. I won my first pro event on this golf course so I'm looking forward to it. However the Shenzhen Golf Club is a difficult course and the event will again have a strong international field."

Zhang's career has skyrocketed since his success at the Volvo Open in 1995 and he is hoping a return to his home course will help him end a two-year winless run, with his last success being the 2003 Volvo China Open.

"I have been a pro at Shenzen Golf Club for the past 15 years and they have been very supportive of me and my career. I do enjoy practising there and have lots of friends and support. I think the greens and bunkers at Shenzhen course are very challenging

"It is always memorable to win a tournament. However the win in 2003 was special as it was at my National Open. Any golfer will tell you that they always want to win their National Open," he said.

This year, Zhang has posted two top-10s on the Asian Tour and he realises the pressure will be squarely on his shoulders when he leads the Chinese challenge in the Volvo China Open, which has also been won previously by Cheng Jun.

The other local stars who will be looking to contend include Liang Wen-chong and Li Chao, both tipped as future successors to Zhang's mantle as China's flagbearer on the international scene.

"I have high expectations but I try not to put unnecessary pressure on myself. I think playing at home with all the support is a positive thing and I will try to play well for myself and the fans," said Zhang.

Co-sanctioned for the second straight year by the Asian Tour and European Tour, the Volvo China Open will see a clash between the best players from both continents. Last year, Welshman Stephen Dodd claimed the title at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

Zhang believes China's national championship will keep growing as indicated by the increase in prize money from US$1 million last year to US$1.3 million for this year's edition.

"I think that the event has grown in stature with the sanction from both the Asian Tour and European Tour. The event has a large prize purse and with global television, people from around the world can watch our National Open and get a chance to see a little of China.

"The field is also very strong and will see many more players from different nationalities competing for the title. I think that the event will grow from strength to strength," said Zhang.

October 25, 2005

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