Irish ace ready to defend HK title

Irish Ryder Cup star Padraig Harrington is all set to return to the SAR to defend his Omega Hong Kong Open title at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from December 2-5.

Harrington, who played a huge role in Europe's massive Ryder Cup victory over the United States last month, has been lined up as the marquee name for the US$800,000 tournament which is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the European Tour.

Ranked number eight in the world, Harrington will be the top-ranked player in a field of 120 players - 60 from the Asian Tour and 60 from the European Tour - in Hong Kong's oldest sporting event, which is being played for the 46th consecutive year.

'It is fantastic if Harrington returns to defend his Hong Kong title, He is the world number eight and a Ryder Cup player, what more can you ask for?'' said Iain Valentine, chief executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association yesterday. Organisers will make an official announcement tomorrow

The South China Morning Post has learned that China's top-ranked player Zhang Lianwei will also lead a strong Asian field likely to include Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Boonchu Ruangkit, Jyoti Randhawa of India, South Korean Charlie Wi and Singaporean Mardan Mamat. Other regulars on the Asian Tour who are expected to play will be American Jason Knutzon, winner of the Macau Open earlier this year, Scot Simon Yates and Rick Gibson from Canada.

'Without question the Hong Kong Open will once again boast a strong field. We have raised the prize money by $100,000 this year and the competition will be fierce,' said Valentine.