2007 Macau Open - Event Preview

Chinese talent Wu Kang-chun hopes to make the most of his 11th hour entry into this week's Macau Open, a week after securing his maiden professional victory in his first pro tournament.

The 25-year-old rookie was handed a spot in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event after Ryder Cup star David Howell withdrew on Monday due to injury. Wu hopes to extend his rich vein of form by making a strong impression in his debut at the challenging par-71 Macau Golf and Country Club.

"I'm really excited to be here," said Wu, who won on the Omega China Tour on Sunday where he beat Zhang Lian-wei by four shots.

"I wasn't in the field for the Macau Open and to get in at the last minute was good. I live in Zhuhai which is very close to Macau and it would have been difficult staying at home this week," he added.

He must thank compatriot Liang Wen-chong who had proposed to the organisers to extend Howell's slot to Wu in the Macau Open, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week.

"Wu is a good player and I asked the Tour to consider him as he'd won back home," said Liang. "I've known Wu for over 10 years and he's proven himself in the amateur ranks. I like to see him play more on the Asian Tour and I've also encouraged him to enter the Tour's Qualifying School later this year.

"The way I see it, whatever that I have achieved in my career so far, Wu can also achieve the same," added Liang, who is ranked second on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit.

Wu represented his country in two Asian Games and was also the China Amateur champion in 2004 before turning professional this year. In two previous appearances on the Asian Tour this year, he played in all four rounds at the Volvo China Open and Pine Valley Beijing Open.

Despite his early success, Wu is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite the fact that he had defeated China's greatest player and two-time Macau Open champion Zhang. "When I won last week, the course suited my game. I've not reached a high level yet but the win has obviously boosted my confidence. It is certainly a good start to my professional career," said Wu.

He believes that his victory could spark greater belief amongst aspiring Chinese players like himself to achieve success on the Asian Tour and beyond the region. "Zhang and Liang have inspired us. Their success has given us the belief that we can also succeed. There are a lot of good and young players coming up. I feel that we've got a new generation of golfers emerging in China."

While Wu is riding on a high, another young talent in Asia is hoping to regain his confidence after a run of poor form.

Thai teenage phenom Chinarat Phadungsil has missed his last four cuts but a return to the Macau Open where he finished tied seventh last year has given him the impetus to end his lean spell.

"I was struggling with my iron play over the last few tournaments but in the past week at home, I've worked on some things with my father at the range. I feel that my game is okay now and I hope to play well this week," said the 19-year-old Chinarat, who is a two-time Asian Tour winner.

Chinarat was in the hunt in Macau last year but was blown off course in a final round marred by rain. "I shot five over that day to fall out of contention. It was a tough day with the weather making it difficult. On this course, you can't miss the fairway and I learned that in the final round last year.

"I need to regain my confidence and hopefully a good week here will help. I'm feeling good and in my practice round today, I shot five birdies on the back nine which is a good thing."

Australian Kane Webber is the defending champion at the Macau Open, which is the 14th leg of this season's Asian Tour.

May 15, 2007