Stenson, Van de Velde join China Open field
Sweden's Henrik Stenson, touted as the next 'special one' from Europe, and revitalised Frenchman Jean van de Velde will join the race for the Volvo China Open crown next week.
Stenson, ranked 12th in the world, has signed up for the US$1.8 million event at Beijing Honghua Golf Club from April 13-16 where he will start as a firm favourite to lift the title of the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event.
The 30-year-old Swede has emerged as one of the brightest stars from the continent where he won the Qatar Masters earlier this year and was also third at The Players Championship in Florida last month, an event billed as the unofficial 'fifth major' of the world. The powerful Swede is making his debut at the US Masters this week. 'I have taken some big steps in the world rankings and so I am going to try to keep on improving,' said the Swede, who is a three-time winner in Europe.
The dashing Van de Velde will arrive in Beijing in good form after ending his 13-year winless drought at the Madeira Island Open two weeks ago.
Best remembered for his collapse at the 1999 British Open when he threw away a three-shot lead at the final hole and subsequently lost in a play-off, Van de Velde's return to the winner's circle ended fears of his career suffering from a premature end due to a knee injury.
The Frenchman was delighted to earn his winner's exemption for two years. 'Last year I was blessed to get my card back and this year I'm blessed to have it for another two years. It gives you a lot of oxygen to breathe and I can now take weeks off if my knee gives me too much trouble,' he said.
