Golf:Defending China Open champion YE Yang is confident he can enter the record books by becoming the first man to retain the title in Chengdu this week where Pádraig Harrington is one of the star names in the field.
The 17th Volvo China Open swings into action tomorrow and is headlined by Yang and three-time major champion Harrington, who will be hoping to get his season up and running.
Big names such as Sergio Garcia and Ryder Cup-winning captain Colin Montgomerie will also be in action at the Luxehills International Country Club with both also looking to turn around their recent form.
Despite the competitive field Korean Yang, currently ranked 35th in the world, believes he can secure back-to-back successes.
“It is always important that a player defends any title he wins, out of respect for the championship and its sponsors, so I am pleased to be returning to China where I have already won twice,” he said.
“I know the Volvo China Open title has never been successfully defended, but there is a first time for everything.”
However, he will face fierce competition from Harrington, who will be looking to kick-start his season after two missed cuts in his last three events.
“I have always enjoyed playing in China and have been made to feel incredibly welcome,” said the Dubliner. “I have won before on Chinese soil in the 2004 Hong Kong Open and would love to make it another by capturing the Volvo China Open.”
China’s top-ranked golfer, Liang Wenchong, will be hoping to shine as he carries the flag of the host country.
The 32-year-old Wenchong won a tournament at the Luxehills International Country Club last year and believes that his local knowledge can act in his favour as he aims to be the first Chinese player to win the tournament.
“I feel fresh, relaxed and on top of my game, but if I’m to win against a world-class field, I will have to play my very best,” he said.
“The support I will receive from my home crowd will hopefully inspire me to achieve what would be my most important victory so far, because every golfer naturally wants to win his National Open.
“Winning would be something very special.”
Harrington heads a seven-strong Irish contingent in Chengdu. Gareth Maybin, Peter Lawrie, Shane Lowry, Paul McGinley, Damien McGrane and Michael Hoey are also competing.
