SEVE Ballesteros will grace Fanling's fairways for the first time at next month's Hongkong Open.
The appearance of the 35-year-old Spanish superstar in Hongkong is a major coup for tournament organisers and the new sponsors of the US$250,000 event, the opening leg of the 1993 Asian Tour.
Attempts to lure big-name stars such as Ballesteros, American Fred Couples and Welshman Ian Woosnam to the territory began immediately after last month's announcement that British-American Tobacco (BAT), under the brand name Kent, had taken over from Hutchison Telecom as sponsors of the 72-hole tournament.
And following protracted negotiations, Ballesteros yesterday confirmed that he would make his debut in Hongkong from February 11 to 14.
David Berry, general manager of BAT (Hongkong), said: ''We are delighted that Seve Ballesteros will take part in the Open.
''The Hongkong Open is a high-profile event and one that has regularly attracted the best golfers from around the world. With Seve, Tom Watson and Japan's Isao Aoki in the field this year, that trend is being continued.'' Don Clegg, president of the Golf Association of Hongkong, said: ''With the confirmation of Ballesteros, this year's Open will be one of the strongest and most international ever.'' It is believed that the combined appearance fees being paid to Ballesteros and defending champion Watson of the United States amount to more than the total prize fund.