Chinese stars caught in Asian tour war
Source: AFP |
November 1, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA'S top two golfers called for more playing opportunities in their country after a lack of tournaments prompted them to ply their trade in Japan.
Wu Ashun and Liang Wenchong both praised the Asian Tour, which they played before the China Golf Association cut ties with the body and formed an alliance with the newer OneAsia circuit.
Liang said he felt caught in the middle after winning the Asian Tour's Order of Merit in 2007, and then the equivalent OneAsia title in 2010. Both players are now regulars on the Japanese domestic tour.
"I got stuck between the two different tours. We receive penalties (for playing the wrong events). What I would foresee is whatever tour benefits Chinese players, I would support it," Liang said. "I also chose the Japan Tour as they provide a platform for Chinese players. What I would like to see in the future is one big family that will benefit especially Chinese players. As a player, I would like to have a better platform for Chinese players. I want to see benefits to the Chinese players."
Despite the rapid growth of courses and facilities, 188th-ranked Wu is China's only man in the world's top 200. Liang's current ranking is 246, while the next highest player, Zhang Xinjun, is a lowly 824th. And while China hosts world class events playing spots are limited for local players.
OneAsia's 2012 schedule lists three tournaments in China: the Volvo China Open and the Nanshan China Masters, both co-sanctioned by the European Tour, and the upcoming Dongfeng Nissan Cup team event.
"Both of us played on the Asian Tour and it was a good training ground for Chinese players," said Wu. "I hope to see our own tour in China and our own order of merit. The CGA is trying to provide this opportunity and we are approaching our goal very soon and I'll come back to play more in China."
Liang admitted Chinese players would like to emulate golfers from South Korea.
"We have seen a lot of Koreans who have played well internationally.
"We want to follow in their footsteps. I hope to see more Chinese players play internationally and hopefully we'll have some winners," said Liang.
Wu Ashun and Liang Wenchong both praised the Asian Tour, which they played before the China Golf Association cut ties with the body and formed an alliance with the newer OneAsia circuit.
Liang said he felt caught in the middle after winning the Asian Tour's Order of Merit in 2007, and then the equivalent OneAsia title in 2010. Both players are now regulars on the Japanese domestic tour.
"I got stuck between the two different tours. We receive penalties (for playing the wrong events). What I would foresee is whatever tour benefits Chinese players, I would support it," Liang said. "I also chose the Japan Tour as they provide a platform for Chinese players. What I would like to see in the future is one big family that will benefit especially Chinese players. As a player, I would like to have a better platform for Chinese players. I want to see benefits to the Chinese players."
Despite the rapid growth of courses and facilities, 188th-ranked Wu is China's only man in the world's top 200. Liang's current ranking is 246, while the next highest player, Zhang Xinjun, is a lowly 824th. And while China hosts world class events playing spots are limited for local players.
OneAsia's 2012 schedule lists three tournaments in China: the Volvo China Open and the Nanshan China Masters, both co-sanctioned by the European Tour, and the upcoming Dongfeng Nissan Cup team event.
"Both of us played on the Asian Tour and it was a good training ground for Chinese players," said Wu. "I hope to see our own tour in China and our own order of merit. The CGA is trying to provide this opportunity and we are approaching our goal very soon and I'll come back to play more in China."
Liang admitted Chinese players would like to emulate golfers from South Korea.
"We have seen a lot of Koreans who have played well internationally.
"We want to follow in their footsteps. I hope to see more Chinese players play internationally and hopefully we'll have some winners," said Liang.
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