Two-time champion Zhang Lianwei is teeing up alongside teen sensation Yang Zihao at the Venetian Macao Open, which opens on Thursday at the Macao Golf & Country Club.

Except for 2003 when he was injured, Zhang, who won the event in 2001 and 2002, has played in every Macao Open since the tournament was launched in 1998.

Yang won the Zhang Lianwei Cup International Junior Invitational earlier this year.

"Every year I look forward to going to Macao and playing at the Venetian Macao Open," said Zhang. "There is something special about the tournament and I always seem to play well there. I consider it one of my career highlights that I have never missed the cut."

The 16-year-old Yang won this year's Lianwei Cup by three strokes. The event was launched 13 years ago to promote golf in China and provide a platform for talented young players to compete at a high level as they prepare to become professionals.

"The amateur circuit is tough, but playing professionally is something entirely different," said Yang. "The Macao Open will be a great learning experience for me and I hope I play well enough to make the cut so I get to enjoy the experience for four days instead of two."

- China Daily

(China Daily 10/16/2013 page22)