SHANGHAI – Nov. 5, 2004 – Chinese star Zhang Lian-wei will defend his title at the US$1 million Volvo China Open later this month as he seeks to end his season in style.

The self-taught golfer, who has played his way into the history books for several notable achievements, will shoot for back-to-back triumphs at Shanghai Silport Golf Club from November 25-28.

He has not tasted victory so far this season but off the golf course, there was plenty of joy as Zhang and his wife welcomed the arrival of their second child, a son whom they have named Tiger. "I am lucky as a champion to have the opportunity to come back but there are so many players that given the chance, they could surprise a lot of people," said Zhang.

"I did struggle a bit in mid-season. It had a lot to do with being preoccupied with my wife's pregnancy. Fortunately I was able to be with my wife and share in the joy of having our second child, a son. I know the excitement will build (at the Volvo China Open) but I must stay focussed on the tasks at hand to ensure I can have good results as all events from here onwards are important for me and my goals," said Zhang.

Amongst his accomplishments include being the first player from China to play in the US Masters this April, missing the cut by an agonizing one stroke. Last year, 39-year-old Zhang toppled world number two Ernie Els in a head-to-head duel to win the Caltex Masters in Singapore and became the first Chinese to win on the European Tour. Other top stars that Zhang has beaten include Nick Price and Colin Montgomerie.

Zhang, who was a javelin thrower before learning the game in Shenzhen, knows fully well that he must be in prime form if he hopes to repeat as the champion of the Volvo China Open.

This year's championship, which celebrates its 10th anniversary, will be jointly sanctioned for the first time by the Asian and European Tours and therefore a stronger field is expected.

"The European Tour is one of the top tours in the world and the co-sanction opens the door for players. This is good for the game in the long run," said Zhang. Last year's home victory realized Zhang's lifelong dream of hoisting the Volvo China Open Waterford Crystal trophy after several near misses. As one of the pioneers of the professional game in the mainland, Zhang has paved the way for the growth of the game in the mainland, thanks to his swashbuckling approach, which has yielded 13 international victories around the world.

Zhang remembers well the winning shot at Shanghai Silport which came on the 16th hole of last year's final round. "It seems I don't win easily. I will remember the 16th hole particular. I was in thick rough and the scores were so close and I remember seeing the leaderboard and knowing that only a birdie would be good enough for me to win the tournament.

"I had 126 yards to the hole and I hit a nine iron from a lie that was not easy. I was able to hit it to inches of the cup for birdie and even though there were two holes to play, I knew that it was the turning point in winning the championship. I can remember lots of phone calls, same as after my win in Singapore. It's amazing the support from around the country," said Zhang.

"It's always tough to win. You want to win all the time. I always have terrific support for the events that I play in China and I can expect the same support in Shanghai again which will be a big help," he added.

He said the Shanghai Silport layout was a good test for the Volvo China Open. "It's a very nice golf course, but it is also a very difficult track. It is good for championship play because of the difficulty."

Zhang also paid tribute to Volvo's support for golf in China. "Volvo have long been a supporter of golf around the world and have been a big part in creating an environment that has elevated the professional game in China. They have not only supported me but allowed some of the older players and younger players make golf our livelihood. I have a lot of support in the past that has helped get me to where I am today," said Zhang.

For further information, please contact Asian Tour's Chuah Choo Chiang at tel: +6012 2172 123 or email: chuah@asiantour.com. Also, visit www.volvochinaopen.com and www.asiantour.com