Last Sunday saw the first instalment of the Beijing Ambassador's Cup, a golf tournament which included participation by members of the diplomatic community as well as other embassy officials and people from the business world.

The tournament, aimed to be an annual event in the future, was held at the Earls' Golf Club in Beijing's east suburb of Tongzhou District with attracted around 90 participants.

Among the diplomatic officials who participated in the event were Singaporean Ambassador Chin Siat-Yoon, The Union of Myanmar's Ambassador H. E. U Thein Lwin, Malaysian Ambassador Dato AK Majid, Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Sahbi Basly and Philippine Ambassador to China Willy C. Gaa.

Participants also included social elites like model Xie Dongnan, and influential figures from the business world like Shi Guangsheng, former Chinese Minister of China's Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (now known as the Ministry of Commerce) who signed China's entry to the World Trade Organization in December 2001.

Competitions were divided between four groups: The Ambassadors' Group, The Women's Group, The Honoured Guests' Group and The Special Guests' Group with various awards alluring the participants.

Ambassador Chin Siat-Yoon officiated the ceremonial tee-off at around 12:30 pm.

A passionate golfer, the Excellency is one among those who made the tournament a reality.

"I have meant to build up a golf community within China's diplomatic circle," said the ambassador. "For me, golfing is more than a sport, it trains one's will and helps improve one's attitude towards work and life. Moreover, it also provides a networking opportunity incomparable by other means."

The ambassador's idea was resonated by the Eastgate Sports Marketing Ltd Co and the Hong Kong-based Fame Top Ltd, which later became the organizers of the Ambassador's Cup.

The weather proved to be favourable as most of the time the sunny skies provided a gorgeous background for the Earls' green courses. There were occasional rains, which only helped to cool down the weather.

After the tedious but fun game, the players were treated to a sumptuous and filling meal in the front yard of the Earls' Golf Club where the awarding ceremonies also took place.

Malaysian Ambassador Majid bagged first place in the Ambassors' Group. The runner-up went to Burman Ambassador Lwin and Ambassador Chin placed third. Former Chinese minister Shi Guangsheng was proclaimed champion for the Honoured Guest Group.

(China Daily 05/26/2005 page9)