More stars line up for HSBC Champions

A host of the world’s best golfers are lined up to play in the HSBC Champions event at the Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai, from November 9-12.

Along with world number one, Tiger Woods, world number three, Jim Furyk and the fifth-ranked Retief Goosen have confirmed they will be in Shanghai to compete for the coveted ‘Champion of Champions’ title. Last year’s inaugural winner, David Howell, who currently lies at number one on the European Order of Merit, will also be back to defend his title.

Furyk, winner of the 2003 US Open said: “I am really looking forward to traveling to China – it will be my first time playing in an official tournament there and the strength of the field makes it an important one to win in terms of world ranking points. It will be fantastic to compete against the champions from the different Tours and I think it will be a very special week.”

Goosen, winner of the 2001 and 2004 US Open agreed. “By all accounts it was a fantastic tournament last year and I was really disappointed to miss out. I had a fantastic experience in China last year when I won the China Masters and I can’t wait to return to play in the HSBC Champions.”

Defending champion, Howell, added: “Winning the HSBC Champions last year kick-started my best season ever on Tour. To finish top in an event with so many of the world’s best players – and especially holding off Tiger’s challenge at the weekend - gave me a real boost and I am looking forward to my title defence.”

Local favourite, Zhang Lian-wei will also be playing, along with Korean star, KJ Choi, who enthused: “This is a fantastic event for Asian golf with so many elite golfers traveling over to compete for the biggest prize fund in Asia. It’s a fantastic tournament venue and I really want to improve on my 12th place finish last year.”

Colin Montgomerie, a record eight time winner of the European Order of Merit title, is also looking forward to returning to Shanghai. “Having played on the tour for 20 years, I really enjoyed playing in this new event last year in such an exciting city as Shanghai. It is a title I would love to win and a good finish at the HSBC Champions would also get my 2007 European Order of Merit campaign off to a fantastic start.”

The HSBC Champions offers a prize fund of US$5 million, the largest across Asia, with winners from four leading golf tours and the top 50 on the Official World Rankings qualifying. The event is co-sanctioned by The European Tour, Asian Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Sunshine (Southern Africa) Tour, and the China Golf Association.

Giles Morgan, Head of Sports Sponsorship and Marketing, HSBC Holdings plc., said: "We are delighted that this year’s HSBC Champions event will once again have the strongest field of World Class golfers Asia has ever seen. That so many players have chosen to include the HSBC Champions in their schedule reflects the growing profile of our event. It also demonstrates HSBC’s ambition, as a sponsor of golf worldwide, to help grow the game in Asia."

Zhang Xiao Ning, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General, Chinese Golf Association said: “We are pleased to have so many great golfers take part in the 2006 HSBC Champions. We believe that their participation will bring the world’s attention to China’s golf development. In addition, CGA will select the top Chinese players for the tournament and ensure that they give it their best shot.”

August 31, 2006

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