Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri pledged to reprise last year’s victory at the 2015 Venetian Macao Open that kicks off tomorrow, while double-win record holder Zhang Lian-wei from China also vowed to rekindle his championship ambitions on the fairway.
During a media briefing held yesterday afternoon at Sands Cotai Central, Lahiri and Zhang were interviewed together with three other celebrated professional golfers, namely Australia’s Scott Hend, South Africa’s Ernie Els and another Chinese player, Liang Wen-chong. The golfers revealed their individual determination to take home the trophy during this year’s edition of the tournament that starts tomorrow.
Despite the missed short putt in the Presidents Cup held in the South Korean city of Incheon three days ago that shattered his victory dream, 28-year-old Lahiri quickly regained his confidence, setting his eyes on the 17th edition championship trophy in a city he also perceives as “a home to play comfortably.”
“Obviously the fifth place finish at PGA Champs gave me a lot of confidence. I am now back at one of my favorite tournaments and so I will be keen to do well again,” said the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader. “History suggests it isn’t easy to win here multiple times, but the course suits my game and I think I have as good a chance as any.”
In the history of the territory’s annual championship, Zhang is the only golfer who coasted home with the trophy in two consecutive years. Describing himself a genuine golf lover, the 50-year-old hoped he could continue to win all the way out.
To even a seasoned professional player like himself, the course at the Macau Golf and Country Club can occasionally prove challenging. “I think Macau’s course is easy either for offensive or defensive, yet when the wind picks up, it’s difficult to play the game,” said the Chinese golfer. “The course here is rather short, yet full of obstacles, especially if it’s a windy day.”
As one of the significant tournaments on the Asian Tour, the four-day competition also drew many Chinese rising stars such as Li Hao-tong, Guan Tian-Iang, and Jin Cheng – a number one amateur golfer set to test himself on Macau’s hilly course hot on the heels of his win at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
Zhang told the media that Li and Jin have been in good form, evident from a mutual training session yesterday morning.
For another experienced Chinese golfer Lian, his maiden victory at the Japan Golf Tour Championship has significantly boosted his confidence, he admitted. “I have been working pretty hard since then, and my game is definitely coming together. Practice has been going well so I am looking forward to mounting my challenge this week,” said Liang.
Making his appearance in the tournament for the third year in a row, Els said he has been gearing up for the games as last week’s tournament in Scotland has pepped him up from a brief recess last month. “It is a strong field once again this year in Macau but as always, I will give it my best shot and hopefully be in a position to win on Sunday,” said the South African.
Last year’s first runner-up Hend was also positive about reigniting his 2013 victory on Sunday. The Australian player has also already rolled up his sleeves for what he reckoned as “the toughest competition ever” with so many world-level winners.
The Macau Daily Times is the tournament’s official media partner.
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