Liang leads Asian Tour stars to Masters

Asia's No 1 golfer Liang Wenchong was one of three Asian stars who were specially invited by Augusta National Golf Club on Monday to play in the prestigious Masters golf tournament.

Liang will become the second Chinese after his mentor Zhang Lianwei to play in the tournament.

Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng and India's Jeev Milkha Singh rounded out the list of Asian invitees. Prayad will be the third Thai player to feature in the tournament.

"I received a phone call last Friday from Buzzy Johnson (of Augusta National) who informed me that I have been invited to play in the Masters," Liang said.

"I was very happy to receive the call. I've always hoped I could play in the Masters, but I just kept waiting patiently.

"I knew that the Masters has invited top Asian players in the past and after winning the Order of Merit last month I didn't want to think about it as it's not within my control. Not everybody can get into the Masters and I'm happy I have been given a chance."

Liang won the 2007 European Tour event in Singapore and last year became the first Chinese player to win the Asian Tour's Order of Merit. He leads Asian Tour money winners so far this season and will play in the 2008 British Open.

Liang, ranked 91st in the Official World Golf Ranking, won once and posted eight other top-10 finishes en route to becoming China's first No 1 on the Asian Tour. He hopes to improve upon Zhang's 2004 Masters appearance by playing in all four rounds.

"That is my target," Liang said. "I will watch old videos of the Masters and try to learn about the golf course. I will talk to Zhang to find out more about the tournament."

Singh, Asia's No 1 in 2006, made history last year when he became the first Indian to qualify for the Masters after breaking into the world's top 50, finishing tied for 37th in a memorable debut.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said the recent invitations were further recognition of the Tour's growing stature.

"We are delighted for our three players. It is another endorsement for the Asian Tour and I would like to extend our appreciation to Augusta National chairman Billy Payne and his committee members for their belief and vision for golf in Asia.

"I am confident that Liang Wenchong, Prayad Marksaeng and Jeev Milkha Singh will fly the Asian Tour flag proudly at Augusta National in their quest to challenge the world's best golfers."

Singh was surprised to receive a return trip to the Masters having slipped to 81st in the world. The invitation capped a memorable month for the Indian, who married his long-time sweetheart on January 4.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start to the year," said Singh, who enjoyed a stunning 2006 season with four victories. "I was planning to work my way back to qualify for the world's top 50 again.

"It's a dream come true as the Masters is my favorite championship. The second time around, I'm still as excited going to the Masters."

The three Asian golfers bring the total number of entrants for the year's first major golf championship to 87.

"These three individuals are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation," Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne said. "They are outstanding representatives of their respective countries."

More players can qualify for the Masters by winning a PGA event or placing in the top 50 of the world rankings within a week before the Masters.

Giving the Asian players their chance will ensure the Masters achieves its goal to grow the sport globally.

"We think the interest in golf in each country will heighten when these players compete in the Masters," Payne said.

Prayad has won six Asian Tour titles. In 1999, he became the first Thai golfer to qualify for the British Open. He ranked fifth on the Asian Tour last year.

Singh made his Masters debut last year, sharing 10th place after the first round and 16th after 36 holes before settling tied for 37th. He won twice on the European Tour in 2006 and won the Asian Tour money crown that year.

Other Asians set to play at Augusta in April include South Korean K.J. Choi and Japan's Shingo Katayama and Toru Taniguchi.

China Daily

(China Daily 01/23/2008 page23)