SHANGHAI, May 17 -- ZHANG Lianwei, China's most successful golfer, will be chasing his record third title at the Macau Open when he tees off today.

Zhang only needs to make the cut to become the 13th player on the Asian Tour to win over US$1 million in career earnings. He has won five titles on the tour and has beaten the likes of South African Ernie Els, Nick Price, and Scottish Ryder Cup player Colin Montgomerie.

The 42-year-old Zhang's first victory at Macau was in 2001, and he retained the title in 2002, defeating Price of Zimbabwe in a five-hole play off.

"I always like to come back here. I've played in all the nine previous tournaments and have won twice but it's not enough. That's why I'm back here to try to win a third title again," Zhang said.

Other contenders at the Macau Golf and Country Club will be Scotland's Simon Yates, India's Gaurav Ghei, Australian Scott Barr, who finished second here twice, and American Jason Knutzon, who won in 2004.

Kane Webber of Australia will defend his 2006 title on the 6,027-meter course.

Chinese player Liang Wenchong hopes to use the tournament to surpass South Africa's Anton Haig and take over the No. 1 spot on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Liang, who trails Haig by about US$4,000, hopes to be the first Chinese golfer to finish the season as the tour's biggest earner.

"I will play more on the Asian Tour this season, possibly nine more events, and aim to finish the year as number one. I think it'll be quite special if I can achieve it as no Chinese player has done it before," said Liang, who has one win and five other top-10 finishes this season.