GOLF | China stars Liang and Zhang confirmed for the Venetian Macau Open

Liang Wen-chong

China’s No. 1 golfer, Liang Wen-chong and two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lian-
wei have confirmed they will compete at next month’s Venetian Macau Open.  One of the highlights of the Asian Tour calendar, the 16th Macau Open will tee off at the majestic Macau Golf and Country Club from October 23 – 26, 2014, with a record prize fund of USD900,000.
Thirty-six year-old Liang hopes to join Zhang as a champion in Macau after making history in June when he became the first Chinese golfer to play in all four Major Championships, teeing off at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
Having recently placed as runner-up in Japan, the Zhongshan native is feeling upbeat ahead of his appearance at the Venetian Macau Open.
“I am looking forward to competing at the Venetian Macau Open again,” commented Liang.  “I performed well at last year’s tournament and I am a big fan of the course. With star players like Ernie Els, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Thongchai Jaidee and Scott Hend confirmed for the event, I am sure the competition will be tough, but I will do my best and get a good result.”

Zhang Lian-wei

His compatriot, Zhang, is a big supporter of the Venetian Macau Open and has played in every tournament since the competition began in 1998. He missed the Open in 2003 because of injury. With five Asian Tour victories to his name, the veteran is also the only player to win consecutive titles in Macau, claiming victories in 2001 and 2002. He hopes to add to that tally this year:
“Every year, I am excited to play at the Venetian Macau Open where I have been able to play well over the years.  My back-to-back victories there are important in my professional career,” he said.
Last year, Zhang invited Yang Zi-hao, the winner of the 2013 Zhang Lian-wei Youth Cup, to play at the Venetian Macau Open. Jiang Zhijie, the 16 year-
old winner of this year’s Youth Cup, will join Zhang in Macau.  The Venetian Macau Open has been championed as a leading opportunity for young players to showcase their talents as well as serving as an effective platform for promoting golf in China.
Jose Tavares, president of the Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB), which is organising the event in conjunction with the Golf Association of Macau, said that “Mr Zhang’s support for the next generation of players is exemplary, making this Venetian Macau Open a premier sports event for our city.”
Olaf Gueldner, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Sands China Ltd. commented: “We are delighted to see many old friends and new faces on the golf course every year, a testament to the Venetian Macau Open’s appeal. As a top tourist destination in Asia, Macau embodies the best of sports, entertainment and business.”
The Venetian Macao is the title sponsor of the free entry event for a third consecutive year. Macau Daily Times is the tournament’s official media partner.