2007 China Tour Kunming Leg - Round 4: Zheng takes massive maiden victory

An emotional Zheng Wengen, one of the first players to turn professional in China over a decade ago, recorded his maiden victory in crushing style on the Omega China Tour today when he won the Kunming Leg at Lakeview Golf Club.

The 41 year old fired a five-under-par 67 to finish six strokes ahead of Huang Mingjie, for one of the most popular wins on Tour.

An impressive four round aggregate of 15-under-par 273 which saw him lead from wire to wire, earned him a cheque for US$19,470.

Zheng turned professional in 1994 shortly after competing for his country alongside Zhang Lianwei in the Asian Games, in Hiroshima.

He joined the paid ranks slightly before Zhang along with two other players who together are considered to be the very first generation of Chinese professionals.

A consistent performer in events on the mainland over the past decade he has surprisingly only won once before - in a small event in Suzhou in 2002.

Since the Omega China Tour was inaugurated in 2005 he has finished runner up twice - including in this year’s Yanji Golf Championship - and finished in the top 10 on numerous occasions so a victory was overdue.

“My dear daughter, daddy has finally got a trophy!” said the likeable Zheng, who revealed earlier in the week that he hardly practices as he is getting old.

The strapping golfer started the day with a four shot lead and was never threatened as he cruised his way around shooting five birdies, three coming on the homeward half.

“It has been such a long time since I won. It’s been driving me nuts particularly having not won since the Omega China Tour started three years ago. I can’t describe how relieved I am,” added Zheng.

His winning four-round total matched the lowest score on Tour but cannot stand officially as preferred lies were played.

Huang also returned a 67, while a stroke further behind were four players including Li Chao.

Li moved to the top of the Omega Order of Merit overtaking Zhang, who did not play this week. He now leads the Merit list with earnings of RMB412,125 (approx US$54,450) thanks to an excellent season which has seen him win twice and finish second once.

Two more events remain on this year’s schedule which boasts eight tournaments.

The next event on Tour is the Xiamen Leg at Orient Golf and Country Club from September 20 to 23.

Leading Final Round Scores (click here for full leaderboard) - Par 72 :

273 - Zheng Wengen 66-68-72-67

279 - Huang Mingjie 69-69-74-67

280 - Li Chao 72-67-71-70, Liao Guiming 71-71-68-70, Chen Xiaoma 73-70-67-70,

Ye Xionghui 76-67-71-66

282 - Shang Lei 75-68-68-71, Qiu Zhifeng 74-66-72-70

284 - Yang Wenzhang 71-69-73-71, Deng Yonghong 74-71-68-71, Zhou Xunshu 69-74-71-70, Cui Xiaolong 71-72-72-69, He Shaocai 74-68-75-67

August 26, 2007