John Daly is on the mend and is looking to give the galleries at Tomson Pudong Golf Club a Shanghai surprise with a return to form at the upcoming US$2.3 million BMW Asian Open, April 19-22.

The two-time Major winner, famed for his booming drives, pulled a muscle near his shoulder blade in early March when he tried to stop his backswing, and promptly withdrew from the tournament. “I am feeling better now, still a little sore, but I should be fine by Shanghai,” said the extremely popular 40-year-old American. "Normally, nothing bothers me but when you are in the middle of your backswing, it’s tough."

Daly is a cult hero in golf and attracts massive crowds wherever he plays. One of the biggest hitters in golf, Daly has topped the US PGA Tour in Driving Distance for 10 seasons (1991 – 1993, 1995-2002) and his lifetime average for distance off the tee is reportedly 309.4 yards (282.9 metres).

"I haven't been in China as much (as I want),"said Daly. "China golf is really growing and it’s an honour to be part of this world-class event. I haven’t played this course before and hopefully the golf course suits my game and I can play really well there. I know Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Paul Casey are going to be there and I’m sure it will be a first-class tournament. Whoever wins – and I hope it’s me – the fans can expect a lot of great golf."

Despite an injury-hit season last year, Daly is feeling confident of bouncing back.

"I last played in the BMW Asian Open in 2002 when it was in Taiwan and I’m looking forward to coming to Shanghai," said Daly. "I’ve rededicated my life to golf and I’ve been practicing real hard this year, he added. I’ve got a new swing coach to help me now and I need the extra eyes now that I’m a little older. I feel my game is coming around round and I love the way I’m swinging. I just need to start making some putts and I’ll be fine."

European players had won the tournament every year since its inauguration. If he can produce his usual firepower and soft touches on the green, Daly could become the first non-European to win the BMW Asian Open.

28.03.2007

China’s leading golfer Liang Wen-Chong is out to prove that his maiden international victory at the Singapore Masters earlier this month was not simply due to chance. Currently number two of the Asian Order of Merit, Liang believes he can give big-name players a run for their money in European and Asian Tour events, including the 2007 BMW Asian Open from April 19 to 22 at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

"I've been preparing for a long time for this moment," said the 28-year-old Chinese sensation, who clinched a gutsy play-off victory at the co-sanctioned Singapore Masters in early March. "In past European and Asian Tour events, I always felt I had a fighting chance even when there was a strong field. I knew victory will come one day, as long as I keep working hard."

For the upcoming BMW Asian Open, Liang will be revisiting a course he is familiar with. In fact the Chinese favourite has already mapped out a strategy for the Shunsuke Kato-designed Championships course.

"Tomson Golf Club is beautiful course but it can be pretty challenging," revealed Liang, "I think it’s essential to get a good shot off the tees and to putt well. The course has some long and narrow fairways and you will need to be accurate with your driver. I foresee using a lot of the long irons on the Par 3s and Par 4s. I will definitely work on the technical side of my game before the tournament."

"Winning the BMW Asian Open is of course a personal target. In fact I want to win any tournament that I play in. The BMW Asian Open is one of the top tournaments in Asia and it’s important that I play well. I will go all out in the first two rounds and hopefully I will be in contention come the weekend."

With one maiden international title under his belt, Liang is feeling confident about the season ahead. He felt that the reason why he became the second Chinese to win an European title was because of his persistence and lack of fear of failure.

"Everyone faces failure or defeats. Tiger Woods is no exception. I’m sure Tiger Woods has experienced his share of failures. What’s important is to learn from your mistakes and failures," said Liang, who was the top Asian finisher in the star-studded Doha Classic in February. “My success did not come suddenly or after just one or two years. It has come after a long process and years of accumulated experience. In the past few years, I have been finishing in the top ten in a few tournaments and my confidence had grown. This, combined with the lessons I learnt over the years, had pushed my game to its current level.

28.03.2007