Liang opens a new era in Asian golf

Liang Wen-chong, the confident face of the burgeoning golf scene in China, ushered in a new era for the Asian Tour by winning the coveted UBS Order of Merit title in 2007.

He broke the Thai-Indian duopoly that has existed for six seasons through the successes of Thongchai Jaidee (2001 and 2004), Jyoti Randhawa (2002), Arjun Atwal (2003), Thaworn Wiratchant (2005) and Jeev Milkha Singh (2006).

And by becoming the first Chinese to be crowned Asian number one, Liang also signalled that the country’s long march to international recognition in the game had successfully reached its first major staging post.

Liang will play in the star-laden British Open in 2008, affording him a window to the wide world of golfing opportunity.

Many commentators believe he is well equipped to flourish globally with a Vijay Singh-like work ethic and unflappable temperament being two of his strong cards.

Liang claimed the title by tying for 28th place in the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia with a closing even-par 72 to take his winnings to US$532,590 from 19 events during a banner year that included victory at the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters in March.

For good measure, he also surpassed the US$1 million barrier in career earnings.

"This achievement is the best of my career. With this feat I have gone to the next stage, a different platform. Also, it is a brand new beginning and I have achieved the first goal," said Liang, who possesses an unorthodox but super-reliable swing.

"I am honoured to be the first Chinese to win the UBS Order of Merit. I do not know what it will do for China golf. Hopefully the publicity about my win will create more interest in golf (on the mainland). Personally, I think I have reached another stage, another platform."

Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat launched a spirited late challenge to overtake Liang with a win at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters helping him draw to within US$95,005 of the leader.

He needed a victory in the Volvo Masters of Asia to have any chance of lifting the title, but it was too big a mountain to climb for the birdie-blaster and he finished joint 12th after a closing 72.

Chapchai won US$11,760 to cement second spot in the UBS Order of Merit, US$14,640 ahead of Anton Haig of South Africa who did not play in Bangkok.

"I am really happy with my year – I won twice which was beyond my expectations," said the 24-year-old Thai. "I did not really think about winning the Order of Merit but it will be my main target next season."

The 29-year-old Liang, who has emerged from the shadow of China golf’s trail-blazer Zhang Lian-wei over the past couple of years, sent out a clear warning to his rivals for the title with his breakthrough win in the Singapore Masters.

He took over top spot in the UBS Order of Merit from Johnnie Walker Classic champion Haig with fourth place at the Macau Open in May and was never headed from that point - although he took until the Asian Tour finale to clinch the title.

"Since the Macau Open, winning the Order of Merit has been my main goal. In the second half of the season I was pursuing that goal," said Liang, who recorded nine-top-10 finishes during the season including the win in Singapore.

"There were a couple of big tournaments in that time, including the Barclays Singapore Open and the UBS Hong Kong Open, and I wanted to lock it up early but that did not happen and I had to keep chasing my goal.

"Even at the Volvo Masters of Asia when I knew my chances of losing out (to Chapchai) were one per cent, I knew that in golf anything could happen so I continued to strive forward to reach the goal. This is golf and until the fat lady sings nothing is over."

Liang will become the first Chinese to play in the British Open and he will be joined by Chapchai and third-placed Haig in the lucrative WGC-CA Championship in the United States.

"The opportunity to play the British Open is great. But not only that, this title will open a lot of doors including more invitations to play on the US PGA Tour," added Liang.

January 14, 2008

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