Rising to the occasion, Zhang Lianwei yesterday wrote another momentous chapter in China's golfing history.
Awaking at 4.30 am for the most intimidating date of his professional career, Zhang wiped the sleep from his eyes to upstage world number one Tiger Woods in the opening round of the Johnnie Walker Classic.
Recovering from a shaky start, Zhang toured the Blue Canyon Country Club in two-under-par 70. That was two strokes better than playing partner Woods, but three off the pace set by defending champion Ernie Els, Dane Thomas Bjorn, Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng and German Alexander Cejka.
By his own admission, it was not one of Zhang's best ball-striking rounds, but given the circumstances it certainly ranks among the most commendable.
'I was scared at the start. There was a lot of pressure,' said Zhang, who shook hands with Woods when they met for the first time on the tee as they waited for their 7.20 am start time.
'I'm Chinese and a Chinese golfer has never had the chance to play with the world number one. It was the first time I have been able to compare myself with the world number one,' said Zhang.
