2008 Volvo China Open - Event Preview: Zhang looking for 'Olympic' victory in Beijing

Home star Zhang Lian-wei will be pushing for home glory as he seeks to end his five-year title drought on the Asian Tour at the US$2.2 million Volvo China Open which begins on Thursday.

Long regarded as the flag bearer of China golf, the Shenzhen-based Zhang, whose career highlights include becoming the first Chinese player to compete in the US Masters and winning the 2003 Volvo China Open, is eager to relive the dream of winning his country’s National Open once again.

“I’m always looking forward to playing in the Volvo China Open as it’s always every Chinese golfer’s dream of winning their National Open,” said Zhang. “I had the proud distinction of being the first Chinese to win this event back in 2003 and it’ll be great if I can experience that winning feeling all over again.”

Zhang will get his chance to relive those memories again when the Volvo China Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and China Golf Association, celebrates its 14th edition at the Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

As the Olympic Games beckons in the Chinese capital, Zhang knows that a home win will further rise the stature of golf in China, who is already one of the superpowers in Olympic sports.

However, the humble Chinese star prefers not to put any additional pressure on himself despite being given the favourites tag this week.

“I try not to set any targets for myself as it’ll be disappointing if I cannot meet them. I’ll just go out there and do my best. Hopefully my best will be good enough to win the title on Sunday,” said Zhang.

Meanwhile, fellow compatriot, Liang Wen-chong who became the second player to play in the Masters after Zhang, is hoping to bank on the wealth of experience that he has gained in Augusta so that he can add his name to the event’s roll of honour.

“Playing at the Masters has given me the opportunity to take my game to another level and I hope to use it to my advantage this week,” said Liang.

“I believe things like competing in front of huge crowds, playing on different golf courses, handling the pressure and being among the game’s elite will go a long way towards shaping me into a better player,” added Liang.

The 29-year-old Zhongshan-based talent, who counts Zhang as his mentor and role-model, also knows that a Chinese win will certainly give the home fans something to cheer about ahead of the Olympics games.

“With the Olympics coming to Beijing, I hope that a home win this week will mark the start of more Chinese victories to come,” said Liang.

“I’ve always dreamt of winning a tournament like this. This is one of the tournaments which I’ve been preparing myself for and I hope that dream will come true!”

April 16, 2008

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