Zhang Lianwei added another chapter to his astonishing golfing success story by retaining his Volvo Thailand Masters title in the most dramatic circumstances. Even by Zhang's remarkable standards his latest triumph, achieved at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off with Mexican Carlos Espinosa, was truly outlandish. For the victory at Bangkok's President Country Club not only underlined the Chinese number one's golfing prowess, but also his resilience, adaptability and apparent indestructibility. Having partnered Cheng Jun to victory in the 44-nation World Cup of Golf qualifying tournament in Jamaica the Sunday before last - shooting a 63 en route to earning his country a place in next month's finals in South Africa - Zhang embarked on an unenviable round-the-world trip to defend his Masters title. Undeterred, he returned an opening two-under-par 70 which was followed by rounds of 69 and 68 to share the lead with Thailand's Chowalit Plaphol going into the final day. Digging deep into his reserves of stamina, Zhang, also the current Volvo Malaysian Masters champion, continued to defy the immense odds stacked against him with a closing 69. That gave him a four-round aggregate of 12-under-par 276, putting him level with Espinosa and three ahead of Australian Paul Foley and Thais Udorn Duangdecha and Chowalit with Boonchu Ruangkit a further stroke back. At the first play-off hole, Espinosa, shaken by Zhang's resilience and strength of mind, failed to convert his birdie attempt, confirming the Chinese as Masters champion. Next stop for globe-trotting Zhang is Spain for next week's Volvo Masters at Valderrama as the concluding leg of the European Tour.