Norman, Stenson headline elite field at Asian Open

BEIJING, April 23 -- Liang Wenchong and Zhang Lianwei will be carrying the Chinese hopes in a star-studded lineup at the 2.3 million U.S. dollars BMW Asian Open in Shanghai later this week.

Australian legend and former world No. 1 Greg Norman is making a rare appearance at the Asian event that also boasts of defending champion Raphael Jacquelin, Henrik Stenson and two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen.

Liang Wenchong, the first Chinese to win the Asian Tour's Order of Merit last year, played down expectations but is hoping to end the region's title drought here.

"I will try my best," said Liang, who competed at the US Masters two weeks ago. "There are now a lot of events that I want to always have a good performance. In China, I want to play my best for the fans."

When quizzed if competing on home soil was an added pressure on him, the Chinese No. 1, who emerged from the shadows of his mentor Zhang Lianwei after his breakthrough win at the Singapore Masters last year, said it was his responsibility to do so.

"I have to play well every week to help popularize the game, so that the younger players can see what we are doing and try to follow us. I think that helps grow the popularity of golf in China," he said.

Liang placed 37th last year while Zhang finished 69th.

Since the event's inauguration in 2001, no Asian has won the title.

Frenchman Jacquelin hopes to repeat his success at the Tomson Pudong's 18 holes par-72 course.

"It feels good to play here, and for me, it would be ideal to be ahead from the first round and lead all the way throughout the tournament."

Greg Norman had a hearty laugh when asked if he was in good shape for the tournament.

"The more you play, the better you play," said the 53-year-old who flew into the city yesterday on his private jet.

The Aussie, nicknamed the Great White Shark, admitted he had not been playing as much as the other golfers but insisted that he regularly had a swing on the course back home.

"I've always been a believer of promoting the game of golf, whether through the business world or through opportunities like this, playing. I've seen what has happened here in China and it's phenomenal to see that," Norman said.

"I haven't really quit the game of golf. I still practice. I still play. As long as I get invited to come back, I'm going to continue to play in certain places around the world. We have a couple of job opportunities here and will have some meetings this week."

This will only be Norman's third start of the season and the Aussie is hoping to roll back the years which during his heyday saw him amass over 90 international victories including two British Open titles.

Norman said he wasn't surprised to see golf booming in Asia, especially in China.

"We've seen a lot of growth in the game of golf in this country and also in other parts of Asia. It's huge because of the population," said Norman, who was world No. 1 for 331 weeks before the Tiger Woods' era began.

The tournament will be played from Thursday to Sunday over 72 holes (4 rounds) stroke play. After 36 holes the field will be cut to 65 players and ties.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)