Zhang wants to celebrate his century in style

Chinese trailblazer Zhang Lian-wei celebrates a career milestone at the Brunei Open this week where he hopes to end a frustrating four-year title drought.

The 42-year-old Zhang will make his 100th Asian Tour appearance at the resplendent Empire Hotel and Country Club and although he feels good with his achievements, he is determined to accomplish more in his illustrious career.

“It’s quite a landmark for me to reach 100 events as it’s not easy to travel out of China due to visa requirements,” said five-time winner Zhang today. “I’ve enjoyed five wins on the Asian Tour and there’s no reason why I can’t win more titles. I foresee myself playing on until I’m 50.

“I will try to win in Brunei as I’ve been in contention in my last two tournaments on the Asian Tour. For me it’s all about winning as if you finish second or 50th, it’s the same result as you’ve not won.”

Zhang, regarded as a pioneer in the professional game in China, holds fond memories of his victories at the Singapore Masters and Volvo China Open, both in 2003. “Those two events will always have a special place in my heart,” he said.

“I beat Ernie (Els) in Singapore with a birdie on the last hole and at that time, he was world number two. To win my national Open that same year (which was his last on the Asian Tour), it is very special. As a Chinese player, you want to win what is our major,” added Zhang, who is presently ranked 44th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit.

The Chinese star, who is making his maiden visit to Brunei, is impressed with the challenging Jack Nicklaus-designed Empire course, and believes it fits his game to a tee as it requires precision rather than brute strength.

“It’s a great course and you need to be consistent with your shot-making. It will reward accuracy this week. I’m striking the ball well but I need to improve on my short game,” he said.

“The change in equipment that I made in May has helped my game tremendously. I’m getting the ball flight that I want and I’m pushing hard to keep improving. The Asian Tour is growing so much these days that I want to keep being a part of it.”

Zhang’s hopes for a winning debut in the Brunei Open will see him take on current UBS Order of Merit leader and compatriot Liang Wen-chong, title holder Wang Ter-chang of Chinese Taipei, last year’s runner-up David Gleeson of Australia, third-ranked Scott Hend, also from Australia and Chapchai Nirat of Thailand, who is fourth on the UBS Order of Merit.

Big-hitting Chapchai is hoping that a sore back, which saw him withdraw from the second round of last week’s Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia, will hold up in the heat of battle.

“During the summer break, I put on eight kilos during the four weeks when I learnt to become a monk. The extra weight has had an effect on my body,” said the beefy Thai, who now tip the scales at a hefty 108kg.

“I’ve got to lose some weight as it’s affecting my game. I’m eating less now and going more to the gym. There is still a bit of pain in my back and I’ll see how it goes,” said Chapchai, winner of the TCL Classic in China.

With the second half of the Asian Tour season in full swing, Gleeson, last year’s runner-up in Brunei, will be desperate to improve on his current 85th position on the UBS Order of Merit and break into the top-60 to keep his card for the 2008 season.

“I’ve got good memories from last year. It’s a lovely place and I just feel good arriving here. It’s a good golf course, good hotel, the food’s good and the practice facilities are great,” said Gleeson, who lost in a play-off to Wang.

“I’ve got to play some really good golf before the year is out. I’m in the 80s on the money but you know, I’ve never played well from January to July in my whole life. I don’t know why but I probably should just give up for the first six months of the year as I’m never ready. It takes a lot of tournaments for me to narrow things down like equipment, pre-shot routine and what I want to do. But I’m feeling good with where my game is right now,” said the Australian.

August 28, 2007

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