Liang first Chinese player to break the million-dollar mark

China's first million-dollar man, Liang Wenchong, wants another record - to become the first Chinese player to be number one in Asia.

'I am hoping to challenge for the UBS Order of Merit title, that's why I played in Korea,' said Liang, after his runner-up finish at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open at the weekend ensured he surpassed the US$1 million mark in career earnings.

'I would like to win this award.'

Liang, 28, is in second place and a mere US$4,223 behind Anton Haig of South Africa on the order of merit after 13 tournaments this season. Liang became the 12th player to join the million-dollar club in Asia, with Thai star Thongchai Jaidee topping the career money list with US$2.4 million.

After earning US$80,645 on Sunday, Liang raised his career tally to US$1.02 million in a professional career which started in 2000, beating mentor and idol Zhang Lianwei to the accolade. Zhang, long regarded as China's trailblazer and a five-time winner in Asia, is US$672 short of joining the million-dollar club, which he can achieve by making the cut at next week's Macau Open, an event he has won twice previously. The US$300,000 Macau event is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Liang claimed a maiden title at the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters in March and he has now posted five other top-10s to raise his season's winnings to US$423,462. Haig, winner of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket, leads with US$427,685. Liang also intends to play in Europe and Japan. 'I'm taking this week off and will then play in Europe,' said Liang. 'However, I will try to play in a few more Asian Tour tournaments to try to win the order of merit. It will be especially important to play well in big events at the end of the season.'