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Dream date for local amateurs at Volvo China Open

Two Chinese amateurs will have the chance of a lifetime to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best players at the US$1.8 million Volvo China Open starting on Thursday.

Xu Wen-jun and Li Xiao-ming are amongst 10 players who earned tickets to the Open championship of the world's most populous nation after prevailing in qualifiers held over three venues.

For the 22-year-old Xu, the long hours of practising during the winter months has paid off handsomely as he prepares to face the stars which include title holder Paul Casey of England, reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, former British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland and world number 12 Henrik Stenson of Sweden.

"I didn't think I had a chance of getting through to the Volvo China Open. I'm still surprised that I made it and I'm very happy," said Xu, who learned the game only six years ago.

Xu works at a driving range in Beijing and picked up the sport by hitting balls during his spare time. Little did he realise that it would lead him to a place in his home Open at Beijing Honghua Golf Club.

"In the quiet periods, especially during winter, I'm able to practice a lot at the range … sometimes for over half a day. It's wonderful that I've got this opportunity to play in our national Championship … this is what all Chinese players dream of," said Xu, who finished second at the qualifier at Beijing CBD International Golf Club last week.

Li, who hails from Hainan island, is looking forward to the experience of competing in his home Open, saying it was an honour to qualify for the 12th edition of the Volvo China Open.

“I'm sure I will enjoy my experience at the Volvo China Open. I'm happy being an amateur golfer and don't have ambition yet to turn pro. I play the game because I really enjoy it,” said Li.

Mel Pyatt, Volvo Event Management President and CEO, is hoping the two budding amateurs will rise to the occasion and play in all four rounds this week. "It is tremendous that we will be welcoming two Chinese amateurs into the elite field.

"When we introduced the qualifiers last year, our long term strategy and aim was to develop golf in China and encourage aspiring Chinese players to qualify for China's flagship golf championship and we are absolutely thrilled that Li and Xu have made it through. We wish them all the very best and trust they will enjoy their journey this week, which will shape their golf careers in the future," said Pyatt.

Other qualifiers include Chinese Taipei's experienced players such as Lai Hong-lin, runner-up in the inaugural Volvo China Open in 1995, and former Taiwan Open champion Tsai Chi-huang. Lai topped the qualifier at the Beijing CBD International while Tsai earned medallist honours at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

Another Chinese Taipei veteran Lin Chie-hsiang won the qualifier at Dongguan Harbour Plaza Golf Club. The other players who earned tickets to the Volvo China Open include China's Wang Lei, Gu Shu-tao and Liu Xin and Chinese Taipei's Chang Tse-peng and Lin Chien-bin.

April 10, 2006