SHANGHAI, – Oct. 21, 2004 – A new tournament, the Crowne Plaza Open, Shanghai, made its debut on the Asian Tour on Thursday as professional golf in China continued to take giant strides forward. A total of 45 players from China, including five amateurs, are having an opportunity to challenge Asia's finest players in the $200,000 tournament at Tomson Golf Club.

The Crowne Plaza Open is the fourth tournament held in China this year, with two more events scheduled, next week's Sanya Open and the Volvo China Open in November. On Tuesday, it was announced that the second edition of the Visa Dynasty Cup, a Ryder Cup-style showdown between Asia and Japan, will return to Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen next April.

Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin was delighted to welcome the Crowne Plaza Open onto the 2004 schedule. "It is a pleasure to see a new event develop in mainland China. Golf in this part of the world is growing rapidly and it will benefit the Chinese and Asian players as they continue to strive to improve," said Martin.

"On behalf of the players, I would like to thank Crowne Plaza for their title sponsorship of this inaugural tournament. We have forged a strong partnership with the China Golf Association and believe that it will benefit golf in China and the region."

Heading the local charge this week is upcoming youngster Li Chao, a former three-time national amateur champion. Along with Zheng Wen-gen, one of the pioneers of the professional game in China, Li is tipped to challenge for the $32,300 top prize.

Asian Tour stars who are playing in the event, the 17th leg of this season's schedule, include the in-form Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, recent winner of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, India's Rahil Gangjee, veteran Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand and Singapore's number one Mardan Mamat.

Former Asian number one Kyi Hla Han, who recently qualified for his fifth World Cup with Soe Kyaw Naing, is also in the fray in Shanghai. It was in this city that Han recorded his biggest career victory when he won the 1999 Volvo China Open en route to becoming the region's top player.

Other names include young Australian Adam Groom, who is currently 15th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and Chinese Taipei's Chen Yuan-chi, who enjoyed two top-five outings last month. Groom, a former Australian national amateur player, finished tied fifth in the BMW Asian Open at this venue in May.

With the Crowne Plaza Open being the start of the final lap for the Asian Tour season, the battle will also be on for players to ensure that they finish inside the top-60 of the money ranking in order to secure their playing rights for next year.

Amongst those who are outside the top-60 include former Tour winner Danny Chia of Malaysia, promising youngsters Gerald Rosales of the Philippines and Singaporean Lam Chih Bing.

The remaining events on the Asian Tour schedule are the Sanya Open, Carlsberg Masters 2004 Vietnam, Volvo China Open, Omega Hong Kong Open and the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia.

Media contact:
Chuah Choo Chiang
Asian Tour
Communications Manager
T: +6012 2172 123
E: chuah@asiantour.com
www.asiantour.com