Three-time major champ Harrington spearheads overseas charge in Chengdu

CHENGDU - China's leading golfer, Liang Wenchong, will go head-to-head with two of the most well-known players in world as he attempts to become the first Chinese player to win the Volvo China Open since the event joined the European Tour in 2004.

However, standing in his way are three-time major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland and Spanish sensation Sergio Garca, who have confirmed their participation at the Open, which will be held at the Luxe-hills International Country Club in Chengdu from April 21-24.

Liang, last year's OneAsia Order of Merit winner, will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, friend and mentor, Zhang Lianwei, who won the Volvo China Open in 2003, the year before the China's national championship joined the European Tour.

"Every player dreams of winning his national open golf championship and, of course, I am no different," said Liang. "For me, winning the Volvo China Open would be like winning a major title and my preparations will be geared up to playing my very best golf at Luxehills. I have great memories after winning there in 2010 on my way to the OneAsia Order of Merit title."

The 32-year-old Chinese No 1 is already a winner on the European Tour; claiming the 2007 Singapore Masters. After that event, he donated his 1.2 million yuan ($183,000) first prize towards golf development in China.

Liang welcomes the arrival of two of golf's great names and is looking forward to the challenge.

"The Volvo China Open has been growing in importance over the past few years, and with a record prize purse of 20 million yuan, many of the best players in world golf will be attracted to play the event," said the father of two. "I welcome Padraig and Sergio, two great golfers, to my country and to my Open Championship, and other world-class golfers are welcome too, because if I am to win my own Open Championship I have to beat the very best in the world."

Harrington, who has 26 professional titles to his name, the past three of them majors, will be making his maiden appearance at the Open and, thanks to his two previous successful appearances in China, is excited by the prospect of playing in an open championship that has grown in significance every year since it was launched in 1995.

"I have always enjoyed playing in China and have been made to feel incredibly welcome," said the 39-year-old Ryder Cup star. "I have won twice on Chinese soil, at the 2003 Asian Open and the 2004 Hong Kong Open, and would love to make it a hat-trick by capturing the Volvo China Open in April."

Curious about China's history, culture and "treasures", the two-time winner of the British Open is also bringing his family here.

"We always promised the kids we would visit the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors, but when they heard the Volvo China Open was to be staged in Chengdu, the home of the national treasure, the panda, that was it. The decision made and we are all really looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Garca is starting to find his best form again after some solid performances during the game's Middle East swing.

"I am really looking forward to playing some golf with Liang. I have heard a great deal about him and he is a great role model for Chinese kids taking up the game," said the 31-year-old.

China Daily

(China Daily 03/03/2011 page23)