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Liang and Zhang confirm for Midea China Classic

Home fans will be in for a treat after their favourite golf personalities, Liang Wen-chong and Zhang Lian-wei confirmed their participation at next month’s Midea China Classic.

After its inaugural success last year, the Midea China Classic returns to the Asian Tour schedule for the second successive year with an increase of US$100,000 in prize money.

2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, Liang will return to familiar ground armed with a wealth of experience after his various exploits around the world. He knows that expectations of him will be high but is confident of putting up a good show that will not leave his home fans disappointed.

“Winning the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit title last year presented me with many opportunities to complete on the world stage. All these playing opportunities worldwide have not only allowed me to develop my game, it has also given me the confidence and experience to take on the world’s best,” said Liang.

Liang became the first mainland Chinese to play in the British Open and also the second Chinese after Zhang to compete in the US Masters earlier this year.

“Although I have playing rights with most of the major tours, my heart still lies in Asia. It’s always an honour to play in front of your home fans and with this event taking place in my hometown, there can never be a better place to play and put in a good performance,” added the 30-year-old.

The Midea China Classic will be one of the six Asian Tour events which will be played in Mainland China and the first major golf tournament following the conclusion of the Olympic Games in the capital city.

“Midea has been instrumental behind the success of several sporting events, especially with our sponsorship of the national swimming and diving teams at the recent summer Olympics,” said Huang Xia-ming, Vice President of Midea Group.

“We are confident that we will continue to achieve that same kind of success with our sponsorship of this event,” added Huang.

The prestigious Royal Orchid International Golf Club will once again be the host venue for this event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and China Golf Association.

The event made a successful debut on the Asian Tour where Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant clinched victory after a thrilling three-way play-off. Like last year, the Midea China Classic will once again be aired live via ESPN STAR Sports, reaching out to a potential television audience of 30 million viewers across Asia.

September 18, 2008