In 2007, the BMW Asian Open will once again be the first of the three BMW tournaments on the PGA European Tour. The sixth edition of the event is held from April 19th to 22nd in Shanghai. Gonzalo Fernandez-Casta?o is the defending champion.
Die 2006 BMW Asian Open was a memorable tournament, not only because of the dramatic final showdown. Henrik Stenson had been at the top of the leaderboard for three days. On the last day, he dropped from the top before making it to a play-off on the 18th hole - only to lose it against the remarkably well playing shooting star.
Nevertheless, despite the disappointment about the missed victory he had come so close to achieving, Stenson had shown an outstanding tournament performance. Maybe it was, therefore, poetic justice that the Swede experienced more luck during the next play-off at a BMW tournament. At the 2006 BMW International Open he managed to beat Retief Goosen and Padraig Harrington on the first extra hole.
In Shanghai, Stenson had been forced to concede defeat to the "Rookie of the Year 2005". During the 2006 BMW Asian Open, Fernandez-Castano's relaxed attitude was very noticeable and, at the same time, very pleasant. In order to be able to defend his title, the Spaniard will have to apply the same mental strength next year since the competition at the 2007 edition will not be less of a hurdle to overcome.
The next BMW tournament featured on the 2007 tour calendar is the BMW Championship (May 24th to 27th in Wentworth), before the BMW International Open is played in Munich from June 21st to 24th.
13.10.2006
BMW Golfsport International