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Chuah Choo Chiang

There is no place like home for Chinese trailblazer Zhang Lianwei as he dreams of a second title in the US$1.3 million Volvo China Open from November 24-27.

The 40-year-old Zhang is undoubtedly China's greatest golf export with five Asian Tour triumphs, including wins over big-name players such as Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Nick Price.

With the China Open being staged on his home course, the Shenzhen Golf Club, Zhang is looking to sparkle at a venue which saw him lift his maiden professional victory some 10 years ago.

'I am very pleased to be able to play so close to home, and having my family and friends so close will be nice. I will also be able to stay at home each night and spend time with my children, Apple and Tiger,' said Zhang.

'I always feel very comfortable playing on home soil. I won my first pro event on this golf course so I'm looking forward to it. However, the Shenzhen Golf Club is a difficult course and the event will again have a strong international field.'

Zhang's career has skyrocketed since his success at the Open in 1995 and he is hoping a return to his home course will help him end a two-year winless run, with his last success being the 2003 China Open.

'It is always memorable to win a tournament. However, the win in 2003 was special as it was at my national open. Any golfer will tell you that they always want to win their national open,' he said.

This year, Zhang has posted two top-10s on the Asian Tour and he realises the pressure will be squarely on his shoulders when he leads the Chinese challenge in the China Open, which has also been won previously by Cheng Jun.

The other local stars who will be looking to contend include Liang Wenchong and Li Chao, both tipped as future successors to Zhang's mantle as China's flagbearer on the international scene.

Co-sanctioned for the second straight year by the Asian Tour and European Tour, the China Open will see a clash between the best players from both continents. Last year, Welshman Stephen Dodd claimed the title at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

Zhang believes China's national championship will keep growing as indicated by the increase in prize money from US$1 million last year to US$1.3 million for this year's edition.

'The field is also very strong and we'll see many more players from different nationalities competing for the title. I think that the event will grow from strength to strength,' said Zhang.



Home is where the heart is for Zhang in China Open