Asia's finest to tee it up at Volvo China

The cream of the Asian Tour will headline the US$2 million Volvo China Open next week in a bid to extend their recent run of success on the international stage.

All the leading stars in the top-10 of the UBS Order of Merit have entered for the Shanghai showpiece from April 12-15, led by current number one Anton Haig of South Africa.

The talented Haig, Chinese sensation Liang Wen-chong and Thailand's newest star Chapchai Nirat, who both occupy second and third place respectively on the ranking, have won the last three co-sanctioned tournaments with the European Tour and the region's finest will be eager to go for a fourth straight victory at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

The other winners from this season who will gun for glory at the Volvo China Open include Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza, who won his home Open in February, Malaysia's Airil Rizman Zahari, the Pakistan Open champion, and American Jason Knutzon, who recently triumphed in the inaugural Motorola International Bintan in Indonesia.

Their success have so far put the shade on the established names including Thaworn Wiratchant and Thongchai Jaidee, both from Thailand and former Asian number ones. However, much can be expected from the duo, who have the ability to sparkle in the big events.

The continued emergence of young talents from Asia will see the talented Chinarat Phadungsil of Thailand, who is a two-time winner, Filipino Juvic Pagunsan, last year's Rookie of the Year and Korea's Park Jun-won in action at the Volvo China Open.

Haig will play in his first event in Asia since his stunning triumph at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket where he defeated a field that included his idols Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.

The big-hitting South African, still only 20, birdied the 18th hole twice, the first to join a three-way play-off, for his second title in Asia after his maiden success in Malaysia in 2006.

Growing up in Johannesburg, Haig would often watch his heroes play whenever possible and he picked up the best of their traits. "Goose is not one who ever gives up. Ernie's rhythm and swing is just immaculate. They are just incredible people as well, not ones to brag or anything, they are down-to-earth people. They are the ones to watch. Everybody wants to watch them when they are playing in a tournament," said Haig.

"Hopefully there will be many more (wins) to come. I will keep fighting and hopefully be as good as Ernie and Retief one day," said Haig.

Chapchai will be gunning for a second title in China after securing his maiden victory at the TCL Classic last month. The 23-year-old, nicknamed "King Kong" by his colleagues because of his big-hitting game, led from start to finish and will be eager to taste victory in the Volvo China Open, and follow in the footsteps of compatriot Prayad Marksaeng, winner of the event in 1997.

Chapchai turned professional at a tender age of 15 and has said after his win that he is indebted to his parents for their support. "My father supported me financially, giving me money to play in regional events when I first started out as a professional. My mother was also a source of inspiration and gave me lots of advice.

"Ultimately though, my father, being a former top amateur player himself, gave me the best advice when he said that fear comes from within oneself. That is why I'm not afraid of anything on the golf course," said Chapchai, who is a birdie machine.

Liang aims to join Zhang Lian-wei and Cheng Jun as Chinese players who have triumphed in their national Opens. "All Chinese players dream of winning the Volvo China Open but you can never force it to happen in this game," said Liang. "If it's your time, then you'll win."

"I’m hard working and I will keep trying. The last two years I have accepted whatever happens happen and now I’m looking towards the future," he added.

The Volvo China Open is celebrating its 13th edition this year with a record prize fund of US$2 million in total prize money.

April 6, 2007