Midea China Classic get half-million dollar purse

The Midea China Classic will make a return to the Asian Tour Schedule in October with its prize fund boosted to a lucrative US$500,000, sponsors announced today.

Title sponsor, the Midea Group, said the tournament will be held once again at the Royal Orchid International Golf Club from October 16 to 19, 2008 and sanctioned by the Asian Tour and China Golf Association.

The Midea China Classic made a successful debut on the Asian Tour last year where Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant claimed a record ninth career victory after prevailing in a thrilling three-way play-off against compatriot Chinnarat Phadungsil and Simon Yates of Scotland.

“We are proud and honoured to play a major role in the staging of the Midea China Classic. After the tremendous success of last year’s tournament, the Midea Group believes that the stature of the Midea China Classic will be raised onto a higher pedestal following an increase of US$100,000 to the tournament’s prize fund,” said Vice President of Midea Group, Huang Xia-ming.

The Midea China Classic will be one of six Asian Tour tournaments which will be played in mainland China, and the first major golf tournament following the conclusion of the Olympic Games which China will host in August.

“Golf in mainland China is growing at an exciting pace and the Midea Group is delighted to support this great game. We believe that the Midea China Classic will place the vibrant city of Guangzhou onto the world’s golfing map and ultimately provide the impetus for Chinese emerging golf professionals to seek glory on the world’s fairways.

“I would also like to extend our appreciation to the China Golf Association and Asian Tour who share in our corporate philosophy in promoting golf and sport. We also sincerely hope that the spirit of the Olympics will continue to burn brightly for our Chinese golfers to excel during the Midea China Classic,” said Huang.

Midea Group was established in 1968 and 13 years later, the brand “Midea” was created with its focus primarily on household appliances. The headquarters is located in Guangdong Province and the company has spread its wings by opening branches in Hong Kong, Russia, United States, Japan, Korea, Canada and Germany. Midea also has one of the largest industrial chain of air-conditioners and microwave ovens in the country.

Wang Li-wei, Deputy Director General of the Multi-ball Games Administrative Centre of General Administration of Sport China, lauded Midea’s continued support towards professional golf in China.

He hopes that the success of the Midea China Classic will spur the growth of the game in southern China and help create new Chinese champions in the mould of reigning Asian Tour’s number one, Liang Wen-chong.

“Golf continues to grow in popularity, thanks to the support from great sponsors like Midea Group. By hosting major golf tournaments like the Midea China Classic, we have placed China firmly in the forefront of professional golf,” said Wang.

“We welcome Midea’s commitment in raising the tournament’s prize fund to US$500,000 and believe that this exciting event can capture the imagination of the best players around the world and golf fans.

“We believe that our leading Chinese golfers will also take the opportunity to sparkle against the international stars at Royal Orchid and show their calibre.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said the Midea China Classic will continue to serve as a breeding ground for local stars to emerge onto a competitive golf scene.

“I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Midea Group for maintaining its strong commitment towards the game. Sponsors are crucial for the game of golf to grow across Asia and Midea has been an exemplary supporter, especially when it is a leading local brand,” said Han.

“It is also important for the Asian Tour to recognise the tremendous efforts of the China Golf Association who are the guardians of the game in China. We share in its ideals in growing the game and will continue to work closely together.

“Ultimately, I am confident that the Midea China Classic will unearth new Chinese stars. This season, Chinese players like Wu Ashun and Shang Lei have shown their capabilities and we believe that there are many aspiring players who can follow in the great footsteps of Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong,” said Han.

The Royal Orchid International Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course located near the Pearl River and offers stunning views. It was the first course in China that was designed by the world renowned Nick Faldo, a six-time Major champion.

May 12, 2008

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