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Liang eyes Volvo Masters trophy

Liang Wenchong hits his second shot during the Mel Pyatt trophy event at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Chinese golf star Liang Wenchong will put the battle for Asian supremacy at the back of his mind as he chases a maiden victory at the Volvo Masters of Asia starting tomorrow.

Liang, who has led the race for the UBS Order of Merit crown since May, only needs to finish ahead of Thailand's Chapchai Nirat at the Thai Country Club to become the first Chinese player to end the season as Asia's No. 1.

However, the 29-year-old said his main goal is to produce a winning performance at the Asian Tour's season-finale in Bangkok.

"I'm not going to think too much about the Order of Merit race or finishing ahead of Chapchai," Liang said. "My goal is to try and win the Volvo Masters of Asia. If I can do that, it will take care of everything else."

LONG SHOT

The only way Chapchai, second in the rankings, can topple Liang is by pulling off a home victory and hoping the Chinese ace finishes outside the top three.

Whatever happens, Liang has enjoyed the best season in his career with one victory and eight other top-10s.

"It's been a great year for me. I've been pleased with how it has developed and I think my game has improved as I now have more experience playing around the world," said Liang, who leads the money race by US$95,005.

"It would be very meaningful if I can become the first Chinese player to win the UBS Order of Merit title and it could help develop golf further in my country," he said.

"When I was young, I aspired to be like Zhang Lianwei and I hope I can also be a source of inspiration to the younger generation," Liang said.

FOCUSED

Liang has been paired with Chapchai in the opening round, but is adamant he is focusing solely on his own game.

"It is a good pairing and I'm looking forward to it. But I will just concentrate on my own game," he said.

"I know Chapchai needs to win here if he is to upstage me in the Order of Merit race but I will not be too concerned with what he does," Liang said.

The Zhongshan-based golfer is oozing with confidence after arriving in the Thai capital following a joint third finish in Japan at the weekend.

The Volvo champion will earn a ticket to the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational next year while the top-three players from the Order of Merit gain berths to the lucrative WGC-CA Championship.
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