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SCMP Reporter

China’s most decorated golfers, Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong, will lead the challenge next month to bring the US$1.1 million Venetian Macao Open trophy back to their homeland for the first time in 14 years.
A five-time Asian Tour winner, Zhang is the only player from his country to have held the trophy, winning back-to-back in 2001 and 2002.
The 51-year-old has missed the tournament only once in its 17-year history – due to injury.
Making every cut bar one, Zhang broke through for his victory on the European Senior Tour this season, winning in Wales in June.
Rolling the dice: South Africa’s Branden Grace to headline the Venetian Macao Open
“The Venetian Macao Open is an extremely special event to me,” Zhang said.
“Apart from the wonderful memories of winning the tournament, I have seen it grow into one of the best stops on the Asian Tour.
“The field gets stronger year after year and with Scott Hend and Anirban Lahiri back to play, alongside Branden Grace and Darren Clarke, it is gearing up to be another exciting event.
“Hopefully, I will put myself in position for a shot at the title once again.”
Zhang will be joined at the Macau Golf & Country Club from October 13-16 by Liang, the only Chinese golfer to make the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking and win the Asian Tour’s order of merit title (2007).
The 38-year-old has played in the last three Macao Opens, and was the top Chinese finisher each time.
“I still have vivid memories of my appearance in 2013 – I remember playing better as the tournament went on and finishing just outside of the top 10.
“The event is an important stop for me given its timing and quality of field. As the season draws to a close, it is always a confidence booster when you do well at a tournament like Macau. It really sets you up for the next year.”
Licking my chops: defending champion Scott Hend confirms tilt at US$1.1 million Macao Open
The two will lead six other countrymen, five of whom are 20-years-old or younger, in attempt to wrestle the title away from defending champion Hend of Australia.
That group is led by Dou Zecheng, 19, who has a world ranking of 179 following four wins on the domestic tour in China, and also includes Cao Yi, She Zihan, Chen Zihao and promising 16-year-old Zhang Junbin.


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Indian ‘brothers’ Anirban Lahiri and Chikkarangappa S. set Macao Open pace heading into final round

India’s Anirban Lahiri set to turn up the heat at Macao Open

Surprise Macao Open leader Ian Poulter defends Ryder Cup structure despite Hazeltine defeat

Venetian Macao Open 2016

Time it returned to China: talismen Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong chase Macao Open trophy

China’s Zhang Lianwei has special memories at the Macau Golf & Country Club. Photo: Reuters

Chinese golfer Liang Wenchong

Chinese golfer Zhang Lianwei

Rolling the dice: South Africa’s Branden Grace to headline the Venetian Macao Open

Branden Grace will make his first appearance at the Venetian Macao Open in October. Photo: AFP

Branden Grace, of South Africa, holds the RBC Championship trophy after winning the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head Island, S.C., Sunday, April 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Branden Grace celebrates with the marshals. April 22, 2012. Round four of the Volvo China Open, Tianjin Binhai Lake Golf Club, Tianjin, China. Mandatory credit: Richard Castka/Sportpixgolf.com ***FOR EVERY PICTURE SCMP USES, WE HAVE TO PAY RICHARD CASTKA MAXIMUM US$100.***

epa05523936 Scott Hend (L) of Australia and Alex Noren of Sweden shakes hands during the final round of the Omega European Masters Golf Tournament in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 04 September 2016. EPA/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Licking my chops: defending champion Scott Hend confirms tilt at US$1.1 million Macao Open

Australia's Scott Hend plays a tee shot on the 16th hole during the third day of the PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club in May. Photo: AFP

This handout photo taken and released by the Asian Tour on June 19, 2016 shows Scott Hend of Australia celebrating a putt during the final round of the Queen's Cup golf tournament at the Santiburi Samui Country Club in Koh Samui. / AFP PHOTO / ASIAN TOUR / Khalid Redza / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / ASIAN TOUR / KHALID REDZA" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVES

This handout photo taken and released by the Asian Tour on June 19, 2016 shows Scott Hend of Australia posing with the trophy after the final round of the Queen's Cup golf tournament at the Santiburi Samui Country Club in Koh Samui. / AFP PHOTO / ASIAN TOUR / Khalid Redza / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / ASIAN TOUR / KHALID REDZA" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVES

England's Danny Willett, right, shakes hands with Australia Scott Hend after finishing the third round on the eighteenth hole during day three of the PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, England, Saturday May 28, 2016. Hend of Australia eagled No. 18 for the second straight day to reclaim the lead at the end of a fluctuating third round on Saturday, as Masters champion Danny Willett slipped down the leaderboard. (Steve Paston / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

Macao Open-bound Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke in awe of British Open finale

Darren Clarke during the first round of the British Open Golf at the Royal Troon. Photo: AP

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland kisses the Claret Jug after winning the British Open golf championship at Royal St George's in Sandwich, southern England July 17, 2011. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT GOLF)

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke watches his shot from the 9th tee during his third round on day three of the 2016 British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland on July 16, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and caddie Jamie Lane wait to play during his first round on the opening day of the 2016 British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland on July 14, 2016. All eyes were on golf's so-called 'Big Four' as the 145th British Open started in beautiful early morning sunshine at Royal Troon on Scotland's west coast on Thursday. / AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Deja vu: Scott Hend and Anirban Lahiri battle it out as Macao Open heads for home  

Australian Scott Hend holds a three-stroke lead over rival Anirban Lahiri going into the final round of the Venetian Macao Open. Photos: AFP

Anirban Lahiri is determined to chase down Scott Hend on the final day of the Venetian Macao Open.

Sport

Golf

China

Mainland’s two most successful players aim to keep trophy in homeland for first time in 14 years
