Noh heads line-up of Asian stars bidding for glory at Hong Kong Open

Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul heads a line-up of stars who will bid for glory at next month's UBS Hong Kong Open.

Korean Noh, 19, will make his debut in the prestigious US$2.5 million showpiece sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour at the Hong Kong Golf Club from November 18-21.

Decorated Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, who holds three merit titles, China's Liang Wenchong, the region's number one in 2007, and Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan, winner of the Open in 2008, have also confirmed their participation in Hong Kong's oldest professional sporting event.

'It'll be my first time competing in the Hong Kong Open. One of my goals for the remainder of the year is to break into the world's top 50 and a strong result in Hong Kong will help me to achieve this,' Noh said.

With a victory in Malaysia and four other top 10s this season, Noh is on track to become the youngest Asian Tour number one. 'It will be special if I can make history by becoming the number one,' he said.

Liang, who is China's first Asian number one, has finished inside the top 15 at the Hong Kong Open over the past four editions but is determined to hit top spot this year.