Macao, 16 September 2013: Two-time champion Zhang Lian-wei will compete at the 2013 Venetian Macao Open alongside Yang Zi-hao, the winner of the 13^th ‘Zhang Lian-wei’ Cup International Junior Invitational, which took place earlier this year.

With wins in 2001 and 2002, Zhang has participated at every Macao Open except 2003 when he was injured. The Chinese legend is excited to return once again to the Macao Golf & Country Club, which has been a happy hunting ground for him over the past decade and a half.

“Every year I look forward to going to Macao and playing at the Venetian Macao Open. There is something special about the tournament and I always seem to play well there. Since it all began back in 1998, I have only missed the competition once when I was injured. I am really proud to say I have never missed the cut at this tournament, which I consider a highlight of my career. It has been a while since my last win in 2002 and I think I am in the kind of form that can lead me to another title in Macao.”

“I love this tournament, it is superbly run and with the Venetian now on board as title sponsor, the entertainment and hospitality offerings have gone up another notch, making it a truly world class tournament,” Zhang added.

Joining Zhang in Macao this year is teenage sensation,Yang Zi-hao. The 16-year-old was impressive in his win at the ‘Zhang Lian-wei’ Cup International Junior Invitational, which he won by three shots.  The tournament was developed 13 years ago to promote golf in China and to provide a platform for aspiring and talented young players to compete at a high level, and build confidence as they prepare to become professionals and challenge at some of the world’s biggest stages. The winner of the competition this year receives an invitation to play at the Venetian Macao Open and Yang is keen to make the most out of this unique opportunity:

“I am really excited to be playing the Venetian Macao Open this year. The amateur circuit is tough but playing professionally is something entirely different. This will be a great learning experience for me and I hope I will play well enough to make the cut so I get to enjoy the experience for four days instead of two! I am also very thankful to Mr Zhang. He is the pioneer of golf in China and because of his achievements over the years, the sport has become more popular, and in turn young players such as myself have many more opportunities to play.”

Local challenge will be spearheaded by 25-year-old Xiao Jie-yu, one of the most experienced and consistent amateurs in Macao.  Three top juniors – Choi Hou Kuan, Zhang Jun-tao and Tang Chak-hou – will also represent Macao at this year’s Venetian Macao Open.

Jointly organised by Macao Sport Development Board of the Macao SAR Government (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macao, the tournament is sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, and promoted by IMG. Following a successful foray into the world of golf last year, The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel recently announced it will return as title sponsor of the event for a second successive year.

José Tavares, Acting President of MSDB, “We are delighted with the return of Mr Zhang Lian-wei, who is one of the most loyal supporters of the Macao Open and the only player to have won the tournament on more than one occasion. Together with four-time Major winner Ernie Els and defending Venetian Macao Open champion Gaganjeet Bhullar and a host of top golfers from all corners of the world, the 2013 tournament is shaping up to the best yet. We are looking forward to working with our partners to showcase Macao as a world class host to an international golf tournament.”

“Sponsoring a major sporting event like the Venetian Macao Open is part of our company’s multi-tiered entertainment strategy, ” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sands China Ltd.  “We want to continue to raise Macao’s profile as a world centre of tourism and leisure, through diversified sporting and entertainment events of the highest caliber such as the Venetian Macao Open.”

The Venetian Macao Open will once again be a free entry event for golf fans from around the world to enjoy live world class professional golf in one of the best loved destinations for leisure and business travel in Asia.

Since its inauguration in 1998, the tournament has been graced by the presence of some of the best golfers the world has ever seen, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Mark O’Meara. This year’s event boasts a total prize fund of US$800,000, an increase of 6.7% compared to last year.

In addition to The Venetian Macao, other sponsors of the 2013 Venetian Macao Open include Rolex, Srixon, Air Macao, Blue Girl and Bonaqua, as well as first time sponsors Lamborghini, Maui Jim, Subway, Hytera and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection and Munsingwear.

For more details on the Venetian Macao Open, please visit www.thevenetianmacauopen.com