The two most decorated Chinese golf stars, Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong, will return to the Venetian Macao Open and attempt to bring the coveted trophy back to China for the first time in more than a decade.

The US$1 million tournament, taking place between 15 to 18 October at the Macau Golf & Country Club, is once again organised by the Macao Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government along with the Golf Association of Macau. Sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, The Venetian^® Macao is supporting the iconic event as title sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.

Zhang, the only player to have won the Venetian Macao Open twice in its 16-year history, was the last champion from China when the Zhuhai native triumphed over Zimbabwe’s Nick Price in a dramatic five-hole play-off in 2002. Zhang went on to create history by becoming the first Chinese golfer from his country to win a co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event and the first to compete in The Masters Tournament. His trailblazing success put China firmly on the world map of golf and his legacy has become an inspiration to many upcoming talents back home.

The five-time Asian Tour winner considers the Venetian Macao Open as one of his favourite events. In the tournament’s  history, the veteran star has only missed one appearance due to injury and has made the cut in every other edition. Zhang said:

“The Venetian Macao Open has a special place in my heart. I always play well here and will keep coming back as long as the organisers will have me! There is something about the tournament, the course and the whole experience, that brings out the best in me. To make the cut everytime in Macao is something that I am very proud of and I am looking forward to keeping this record going this year. The competition will be very tough once again with Ernie Els, Anirban Lahiri and Scott Hend all there, but it is an honour to be competing with these champions, so I will make sure I make the most of it.”

The 37-year-old Liang is the only player from China to have broken into the top-100 in the Official World Golf Ranking and he recorded a maiden win in Japan in June. The 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner is playing at the Venetian Macao Open for the third year in a row where he finished tied-40th and tied-11th in 2014 and 2013 respectively. The married father of two commented:

“I competed in the Venetian Macao Open for the first time in 2012 and have grown to really enjoy it so I’ve made it a regular stop on my calendar. Many top players from around the region are here so you know it will get competitive and you need to be on top of your game to win. The tournament is in a good spot on the Asian Tour calendar and really sets the tone as we head into the latter part of the season.”

Zhang and Liang will lead a strong contingent of Chinese players in Macao to compete against a high calibre field that including defending and 2013 champions, Lahiri and Hend, as well as four-time Major Champion Els. China prodigy Guan Tian-lang, who made headlines in 2013 when he became the youngest player ever to play (and make the cut) at the Masters, has already confirmed his commitment to play. Other young guns from China joining him are Hu Mu, Dou Zecheng, Chen Zihao, Li Chao, Cao Yi and Jin Cheng. 

José Tavares, President of Macao Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government (MSDB), said:

“Macao will always welcome Mr. Zhang Lian-wei and Mr. Liang Wen-chong, who are two of the greatest supporters of the Venetian Macao Open. They have enthralled us over the years with their golf skills and we look forward to seeing these two great champions battle it out at Macau Golf & Country Club once more. It will be extremely interesting to see the young talents that are coming up from China too, and we look forward to seeing them mounting a strong challenge at the tournament.”

Dave Horton, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Sands China Ltd., commented:

“We are looking forward to welcoming and hosting the Chinese players who are to play at the Venetian Macao Open this year. While the fans will no doubt be treated to four days of world-class professional golf action, we will ensure the players themselves have an enjoyable and relaxing stay in Macao.”

The prestigious tournament, in its 17^th edition, will see its total prize fund increase for a third consecutive year, taking it to the all-important US$1 million mark. Since its inauguration in 1998, many other world-class golfers have graced the fairways of Macau Golf & Country Club, including Lee Westwood (winner in 1999), Colin Montgomerie (winner in 2003), Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam, Mark O’Meara, and Chinese stars Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong.

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