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November 24, 2011

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Liang, Zhang lead the charge

LIANG Wenchong believes that China will become a dominant force in golf once it gets more opportunities to compete against the world's best players.

The World Cup, which tees off at the Mission Hills Resort in Haikou, Hainan Province, today is an ideal platform for Liang and his debutant partner Zhang Xinjun to showcase the standards of golf in China to the world.

Liang, who won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2007, will be making his fifth World Cup appearance and is hoping to use his wealth of experience to guide Zhang in his maiden World Cup appearance and ultimately, achieve some measure of success this week.

"It's good that we can stage world-class tournaments like this in China as it helps with the development of golf here. Of course, getting a good result, which we always plan to do, will help to raise the profile of the sport," said Liang.

Although Zhang will be making his World Cup debut, Liang is confident that his younger playing partner will be able to carry the hopes of the nation. "I've every confidence in this young man as he has shown that he is capable of matching up against the best," said Liang.

Zhang served notice of his potential when he emerged as the best Asian player with a tied-13th finish at the HSBC Champions earlier this month.

While the 24-year-old is excited with the prospect of playing in his first World Cup, he is also aware of the pressure especially with China as the host nation and is counting on "Big brother" Liang to support him. "Liang is like a big brother to me and I know that he will always be there to support me as my career progresses," said Zhang.

Meanwhile, the United States represented by Matt Kucher and Gary Woodland will be hoping to add to their country's record 23 wins in the biennial event which remains as the only team event in the men's professional game.

Kuchar, who was on the victorious US Presidents Cup team last week, hopes to extend his winning run for the Stars and Stripes with Woodland.

Title favorites Ireland will be represented by major winners Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell while South Africa is also expected to mount a strong challenge with its pairing of masters Champion Charl Schwartzel and 2010 British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen.




 

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