Syndicated Thumbnail Navigation player featuring a selection of clips taken from Golf Bug TV. For use on the Golf Today website. http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1175881076http://www.brightcove.com/channel.jsp?channel=495713462 RELATED STORIES Only Liang and Chapchai left in Order of Merit race Liang closes in on Order of Merit crown Liang widens Order of Merit lead as Park gets into gear 2006: Japan victory takes Jeev to world no. 47 2006: On song Singh wins again in Japan 2007 Japan Golf Tour schedule and results ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Ben Leong claims maiden victory PGA: Jeev and Wi tie for ninth Prom targets Thai win in Brunei Shin Ji-yai takes Women's British Open Asian Tour starts 2nd half on a high Norman to play 2009 Johnnie Walker Mission Hills to host AP Summit GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Paul Azinger names US wildcards Faldo chooses Casey and Poulter Havret gains wire to wire Gleneagles win Sluman clinches First Tee Open with closing 67 Fallout continues over LPGA "English" rule Poulter chooses high risk Ryder Cup strategy

Strong start for Liang in Japan

China’s top golfer Liang Wen-chong got off to a solid start in Japan when he blasted a three-under-par 67 in lone second spot at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup on Thursday.

Liang, who leads the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit race, fired five birdies against two dropped shots to lie a stroke behind leader Shingo Katayama.

Defending champion Jeev Milkha Singh of India, who was the 2006 UBS Order of Merit winner, posted a 69 in joint third position while Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng carded a 70 in tied 11th place.

Liang, with one win and eight top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour this season, continued his fine form in Japan. He was one over after nine holes in the opening round at the Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club but four birdies on the back nine shot him up the ranks to joint second place.

Filipino Frankie Minoza, who has already chalked up one win in Japan last month, endured a slow start after a 72 in joint 21st spot.

November 30, 2007