China hopes to thrill fans on home soil in World Cup

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SHENZHEN, China -- Chinese star Zhang Lian-wei believes he and partner Liang Wen-chong can launch a title challenge at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup on home soil later this month.

Zhang, who is credited for China's rapid rise in the game over the past decade, feels he and his teammate can improve on last year's 11th place finish when the 28 nations chase for honors at Mission Hills Golf Club from November 27-30.

"I believe that this year will be much better than 2007. Liang has more power in his game now. He has also gained a lot of experience in the past year after playing in the majors and other big tournaments around the world," said Zhang.

The tenacious Liang has certainly become one of the region's top stars after winning the Asian Tour's Order of Merit crown last season, becoming China's first player to achieve the feat.

He has followed up on that success with a second career victory at the Hero Honda Indian Open last month.

The 43-year-old Zhang, a five-time winner on the Asian Tour, is delighted with how his protégé has risen in stature after taking Liang under his wing nearly a decade ago.

"It's great to see him enjoy his success now as he has worked very hard at his game," said Zhang.

"We will be looking to play well in the World Cup especially when it is in front of our home fans."

Zhang first teamed up with Liang in the World Cup in 2001 before reuniting again last year to produce the country's best finish in the prestigious team event. He has very much been an integral part of China's golfing history and also featured in the country's first hosting of the World Cup back in 1995.

"In 1995, the World Cup was held in our country for the first time and the game was still very new then. Last year, I returned after 12 years and it felt really good. Playing with Liang was a great experience for us.

"It was amazing to see the number of spectators who turned up to watch the event which is good for golf in China. It will help boost the interest of the game and encourage more people to take up the sport.

"I am looking forward to another huge turnout this year which will motivate us to play well," added Zhang.

A native of Shenzhen, the veteran is determined to enjoy the week at home for one of the country's main golfing highlights of the year.

"I'm looking forward to it, being at home for the World Cup. My sponsor Omega has also been very supportive and I really appreciate their backing," he said.

The other Asian nations which will compete in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup include India (Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa), Chinese Taipei (Lin Wen-tang, Lu Wen-teh), Korea (Bae Sang-moon, Kim Hyung-tae), Philippines (Angelo Que, Mars Pucay), Thailand (Prayad Marksaeng, Thongchai Jaidee) and Japan (Ryuji Imada, Toru Taniguchi).

Scotland will return as defending champion following its victory at the Olazabal Course 12 months ago. Colin Montgomerie, who partnered with Marc Warren in 2007, will have a new partner in Alastair Forsyth this year.