Zhang Lianwei will sacrifice his health to defend his title at the US$1 million Volvo China Open, which starts in Shanghai today.
The Chinese hero pulled out of a tournament in Japan last weekend because of a sore hip, but will suffer the pain to play in his national open.
'I wouldn't be playing if it wasn't the Volvo China Open,' he said. 'What I need is rest.'
Zhang, who delivered for an expectant nation last year, said his hip was suffering from wear and tear, but it wasn't career threatening.
'It's a long term injury, just kind of worn out. I've worked so hard over the past decade,' said the 39-year-old Shenzhen native. 'I need at least two to three months to recover.'
Zhang knows there is a lot of pressure on him to play ... and perform this weekend. 'Remember they call me Volvo Zhang because 90 per cent of my titles are from their competitions.
