Tsai Chi Huang from Chinese Taipei scored an even par final
round of 72 to take the top spot in the Volvo China Open's mid
China Qualifying competition at Shanghai Silport Golf Club. He
earns a coveted place alongside the likes of defending champion
Paul Casey and other top European Tour players in the final field
for the US$1.8 million Open at Beijing Honghua Golf Club from April
13-16.
A former Taiwan Open champion, Tsai's two round total of four
over par 146 was a comfortable four shots ahead of second placed
Wang Lei. Third and final qualifying spot was won by Liu Xin in a
sudden death play off.
Starting three shots ahead after the first round, the
37-year-old Tsai looked in full control as he increased his lead to
five shots after the first five holes. Although he dropped shots at
the ninth and 12th holes and double-bogeyed the 15th, he offset
these with birdies at the 13th and 18th and was never really
threatened.
"I'm really happy that I was given a chance to enter for the
qualifying in Silport this time," said a delighted Tsai. "This
competition clearly shows the kindness and consideration of the
Volvo China Open for us Chinese. Last time I was at the Open was in
1998, but only as a spectator. I have high hopes to do well in
Beijing as I scored 67 in my practice round, so I know what I can
do."
Wang Lei, based at Qingdao International Golf Club in Shandong,
had a nightmare start with three bogeys in the first six holes but
held his game together by completing the remaining 12 holes in one
under par for a 74 and a two round total of 151.
Big-hitting Liu Xin birdied the 18th in a sudden death play off
with David Lee of Sunisland to claim the final qualifying spot at
Silport. The Shanghai International Country Club-based pro
demonstrated his prodigious length off the tee at the par five 554
yards long hole, playing his second shot from just 180 yards
out.
The north China qualifying competition will be played at Beijing
CBD International Golf Club on April 4-5 where three spots are
available for the Volvo China Open.
(China Daily?March 31, 2006)