Upping its Game

Boasting a strong field and increased purse, the Venetian Macau Open, which takes place later this month, is destined to become one of the Asian Tour’s most prized events

Macau Golf & Country Club’s daunting 17th

Zhang in Search of Title Number Three

Zhang Lian-wei, Yang Zi-hao and Xiao Jie-yu

Two-time champion Zhang Lian-wei will compete at the 2013 Venetian Macau Open alongside Yang Zi-hao, the winner of the 13th Zhang Lian-wei Cup International Junior Invitational, which took place earlier this year.

With wins in 2001 and 2002, Zhang has participated at every Macau Open except 2003 when he was injured. The Chinese legend is excited to return once again to the Macau Golf & Country Club, which has been a happy hunting ground for him over the past decade and a half.

"Every year I look forward to going to Macau and playing at the Venetian Macau Open. There is something special about the tournament and I always seem to play well there. Since it all began back in 1998, I have only missed the competition once when I was injured. I am really proud to say I have never missed the cut at this tournament, which I consider a highlight of my career. It has been a while since my last win in 2002 and I think I am in the kind of form that can lead me to another title in Macau.

"I love this tournament, it is superbly run and with the Venetian now on board as title sponsor, the entertainment and hospitality offerings have gone up another notch, making it a truly world class tournament," Zhang added.

Joining Zhang in Macau this year is teenage sensation, Yang Zi-hao. The 16-year-old was impressive at the Zhang Lian-wei Cup International Junior Invitational, which he won by three shots. The tournament was developed 13 years ago to promote golf in China and to provide a platform for aspiring and talented young players to compete at a high level, and build confidence as they prepare to become professionals and challenge on some of the biggest stages in world golf. The winner of the competition this year receives an invitation to play at the Venetian Macau Open and Yang is keen to make the most out of this unique opportunity.

"I am really excited to be playing the Venetian Macau Open this year," said Yang, who hails from Chengdu. “The amateur circuit is tough but playing professionally is something entirely different. This will be a great learning experience for me and I hope I will play well enough to make the cut so I get to enjoy the experience for four days instead of two! I am also very thankful to Mr Zhang. He is the pioneer of golf in China and because of his achievements over the years, the sport has become more popular, and in turn young players such as myself have many more opportunities to play."

The local challenge will be spearheaded by 25-year-old Xiao Jie-yu, one of the most experienced and consistent amateurs in Macau. Three top juniors - Choi Hou Kuan, Zhang Jun-tao and Tang Chak-hou - will also represent Macau at the tournament.

Past Winners

2012 Gaganjeet Bhullar IND
2011 Chan Yih-shin TPE
2010 Not Played
2009 Thaworn Wiratchant THA
2008 David Gleeson AUS
2007 Lu Wen-teh TPE
2006 Kane Webber AUS
2005 Wang Ter-chang TPE
2004 Jason Knutzon USA
2003 Colin Montgomerie SCO
2002 Zhang Lian-wei CHN
2001 Zhang Lian-wei CHN
2000 Simon Dyson ENG
1999 Lee Westwood ENG
1998 Satoshi Oide JPN

Readers interested in volunteering to work during the event should contact venetianmacauopenenquiries@fasttrack.com

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