Former world top amateur Pan Cheng-tsung joins Hong Kong Open line-up after turning pro
Taiwan's newest pro is thrilled to be competing against regional rivals as well as elite players such as Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose
Taiwan's newest professional Pan Cheng-tsung will join China's Li Haotong and Hong Kong's Jason Hak Shun-yat in the line-up for this month's UBS Hong Kong Open at Fanling.
The 23-year-old Pan was the world's number one amateur before making his pro debut at the US Open at Chambers Bay, where he made the cut and finished tied for 64th.
"I can't wait to be a part of the UBS Hong Kong Open," said Pan. "I have managed to play in some big events in America and in four majors, but it will be really special to go back to China and play as a professional on such a great event on both the Asian and European Tours."
Having gone so close to winning a European Tour event in China at the start of the year, I think it is safe to say I would love to go one better at the Hong Kong Open
World-class players Justin Rose, of England, Americans Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed and Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell are confirmed for the October 22-25 event at the Hong Kong Golf Club, along with India's Anirban Lahiri, Thai Thongchai Jaidee and Australia's defending champion Scott Hend.
Li is no stranger to the European Tour, having made a notable impression at this year's Shenzhen International when the then 19-year-old narrowly missed out on becoming the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event on home soil. After a brilliant performance at the Genzon Golf Club, Li lost a sudden-death play-off to Thai player Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
READ MORE: Asian heavyweights Anirban Laihiri, Thongchai Jaideee and Scott Hend joibn HK Open battle
"Having gone so close to winning a European Tour event in China at the start of the year, I think it is safe to say I would love to go one better at the Hong Kong Open.