China was celebrating last night after Zhang Lianwei fulfilled a nine-year quest by winning the US$500,000 Volvo China Open.
The 38-year-old golfing pioneer overcame nerves and a fast-diminishing lead to deliver for an expectant nation at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club. 'I am so happy to win this,' said Zhang after his two-stroke victory over Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant.
'I have been trying for nine years. I feel a mixture of relief and excitement. I hope this sparks a golf boom in China.'
The champagne corks were popping as officials celebrated Zhang's victory. 'This is a dream result, there is nothing better,' said Cui Zhiqiang, secretary general of the China Golf Association.
'It will make a major impact on the development of golf in China. Zhang is a great role model for our young crop of golfers coming through.'
Zhang, who has won on the European, Canadian and Asian Tours, rated the achievement above his victory over world number three Ernie Els in the Caltex Singapore Masters in January. 'I have also won a lot of small tournaments in China but this is most important to me,' said Zhang, who now sets his sights on winning the US$700,000 Hong Kong Open early next month.
'I have won the Macau Open [twice], the China Open and now I want the Hong Kong Open,' he added. 'I have been in the top 10 there for several years and I want to win it.' A victory at Fanling in Hong Kong would put him top of the order of merit on the Asian PGA Tour and guarantee him a place at the British Open.