China’s oldest professional golf championship, the Volvo China Open enters a new and exciting era with today’s announcement that some of the world’s best players have signed-up to play the US$2.5million event, to be staged at Suzhou Jinji Lake International Golf Club from 15^th – 18^th April 2010, confirming the status of the national golf championship of China as an emerging force in world golf.

Suzhou Jinji Lake International Golf Club  (owned by SIP Hotel Group) will host this year’s Volvo China Open, to be held from 15^th to 18^th April.

On the occasion of the 15^th anniversary Volvo China Open, the partners associated with the dramatic development of the national open golf championship of China have joined together to put forward their vision for the future of China’s flagship event.

Three birdies in four holes over the back nine helped Scott Strange win the Volvo China Open after a final round of 68 gave the Australian a one stroke victory at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

As the global governing body for golf except for the America, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club has a multiplicity of functions, as R&A Asia-Pacific Director, Dominic Wall explains.

It is not only the 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie who is making a Volvo China Open debut; on the business side of the open championship of China, Emirates Airlines is also making an equally high-profile maiden appearance at the national open golf championship of China.

With record crowds raising the roof on some sensational scoring on the penultimate day of the 2009 Volvo China Open, Englishman Richard Finch leads the way going into the final round by a single shot from his friend Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, with 2006 champion Markus Brier and Australian debutant Ashely Hall sitting menacing on five-under.

Richard Finch birdied six holes in a row around the turn en route to a third round 66 which gave the Englishman a one shot lead over Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño going into the final round of the Volvo China Open.

New Zealand star Mark Brown came roaring back to form in the third round of the 2009 Volvo China Open, breaking the course record and getting himself back into contention for the golden Emperor’s tunic, the first prize of US$366,000 and a place in the 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship.

The role of the sports agent can be greatly misunderstood, but international agency ISM’s man in Asia, Louis Martin explains his role at the Volvo China Open.

There is a saying that goes, ‘Through information comes empowerment,’ and never is that maxim more relevant than in the game of golf where statistical analysis of each player’s game enables him to focus on the weaknesses whilst maintaining the strengths.

As the only ever-present player in the 15-years of the Volvo China Open, Chinese legend Zhang Lian-wei was honoured for his achievement and celebrated by making the halfway cut for the 11^th time in 15 outings in his national open championship.

Korean golfer Choi Ho-sung produced four birdies over the back nine to establish a two stroke lead after a second round 67 in the Volvo China Open.

Beijing CBD International Golf Club is hosting its second successive Volvo China Open, Damien McGrane defending the title he won at the same golf course 12-months-ago.

The tradition of awarding the Volvo China Open champion the golden jacket of achievement dates back to 2004 when China’s open golf championship stepped onto the world stage, but that is the mere blink of an eye compared to the history of the Emperor’s silks dating back to the 17^th century.

Austrian Markus Brier, Volvo China Open champion in 2007 posted an early five-under-par 67 to lead the 2009 Volvo China Open by one, but for defending champion Damien McGrane and debutant Colin Montgomerie, it could all have been so different on the opening day of the Crystal Anniversary of the event.

Beijing, 16 Apr. 09

Markus Brier fired a five under par round of 67 to take the early lead at the Volvo China Open at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

For two Chinese teenage protégés, winning their age group at the 2008 Volvo China Junior Championship was just the ticket as they both line up for the 15^th anniversary of their national open golf championship.

As the Crystal Anniversary Volvo China Open gets underway at Beijing CBD International Golf Club, most golf insiders were finding difficulty picking the nationality, let alone the identity of the likely winner of the open golf championship of China in one of the most competitive fields in the 15 year history of the event.

The traditional Pro-am ahead of the 15^th anniversary Volvo China Open saw 36 teams battle it out on the eve of the big event and it was Australian Terry Price who helped his Crowne Plaza team to success by five clear points from the ‘home,’ team of Beijing CBD International Golf Club with Volvo Group taking the third podium place.

Colin Montgomerie has at least two compelling reasons to win this week’s Volvo China Open.

Australasian Tour Order of Merit Champion Mark Brown heads a 30 strong Australasian contingent looking to make history this week by winning the Volvo China Open, the first tournament on the mould-breaking OneAsia Super Series.

In Beijing today (Wednesday), 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was presented with a special achievement award from Volvo, the only ever-present sponsor in recognition of one of the most remarkable playing careers in world golf.

Volvo China Open debutant Colin Montgomerie, Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup captain marches on to his 500^th European Tour start this week before commencing his second 500 in Beijing at the national open golf championship of China.

As Irishman Damien McGrane heads to China in search of a little piece of Chinese golfing history, a high-profile quintet of his Irish compatriots are set to head to the Middle Kingdom in search of the open championship of the biggest nation on earth.

Ireland’s Damien McGrane returns to the scene of his finest moment this week to defend the Volvo China Open at Beijing CBD International Golf Club in China.

Beijing Honghua International Golf Club, Thursday 2^nd April. A meltdown on the final six holes cost lady pro, Wang Chun, the chance of being the first woman to qualify for a men’s national open golf championship.

Beijing CBD International Golf Club, Thursday 19^th March. The winner of next month’s Volvo China Open is set to receive a massive prize money boost for his victory. Not only will he pick up the winner’s check for US$366,000 but he will also enjoy an additional cash windfall of at least US$155,000 courtesy of earning a spot in the elite 16-man field for the Volvo World Match Play Championship to be held later in the year in Spain.

Shanghai Silport Golf Club, Wednesday 18^th March. Shenzhen based Liu Qing shot a three over par 75 to win the Volvo China Open Mid-China Qualifying at Silport with a two round total of 145. He finished one shot ahead of Xu Qin and three ahead of Shangdong based Liu Anda. All three earn coveted spots in the Volvo China Open in Beijing in April.

Winning the Volvo China Open has always been seen as a prestigious and valuable victory but the 15^th anniversary event sees a massive new added incentive as the champion books the first seat on the plane to Spain to play in the Volvo World Match Play Championship.

Discovery Bay Golf Club, Hong Kong, Wednesday 11^th March. Hong Kong resident, Justin Evans, sealed a coveted place in the Volvo China Open in Beijing in April with a final round 70 to finish joint first with a three under par total of 141. Tied with Evans was 18 year old Eom Jae-woong of Korea who leapfrogged the pack with a five under par 67 in his final round.

Harbour Plaza Golf Club, Dongguan. Thursday 26^th February. He played his first Volvo China Open in 1996 and today, 14 years later, Liu Guo-jie secured a dream return to the championship due to take place in April.

UPS, the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services makes its debut as a Partner Sponsor of the 2009 Volvo China Open.

Entries are now being taken for the four qualifying competitions of 2009 Volvo China Open which will be held from end February to early April. The Hong Kong International Qualfying will still be open to golfers worldwide.

The present and future of Chinese golf looks forward to the 15^th Volvo China Open with confidence as Zhang Lianwei and Ye Jianfeng sign-off the 2008 season at the Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok.

The European Tour’s tournament director for the Volvo China Open, Mikael Eriksson, paid a flying visit to Beijing CBD International GC on Friday 7^th November. He toured the course to check on progress since the previous inspection, held in August.

Bohing GC, Beijing, Sunday 5^th Oct. In steady rain and cold conditions, Guangzhou pair Shao Yong-liang and Zhang Yu-yang won the senior boys’ and girls’ titles respectively in the 2008 Volvo China Junior Championship over the demanding C course at Bohing Golf Club in Beijing.

The 4^th Volvo China Junior Championship committee held a press conference in Beijing. It has been announced that the event will be held during the National Day holiday week this year, from October 2^nd to 5^th. By then, 32 top teenage competitors throughout the country will get together at Beijing Bohing Golf Club to compete for the champion of the season ending final of junior golf in China.

Having won the open golf championship of the largest country on earth, Volvo China Open champion Damien McGrane is back to form and hoping to make it an ‘open double’ at the largest open golf championship on earth.

Following the signing of a groundbreaking joint management agreement between Volvo, golf’s most experienced and enduring corporate brand and IMG, the leading sports management company in the world a new chapter for the World Match Play Championship is about to be written under Volvo and IMG’s stewardship.

Volvo Group China has decided to donate RMB 9 M to the areas of China that have been hit most severely by the earthquake. In addition the Volvo Group China has provided Volvo equipment that has already been deployed in rescue work in various parts of the affected areas.

Ireland’s Damien McGrane defied the elements to claim his maiden European Tour title with a convincing nine stroke victory in the Volvo China Open at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

Ireland’s Damien McGrane has been crowned 2008 Volvo China Open Champion after a cool, composed final round of 73, one-over-par in the worst conditions of the week, his effort not tainted at all by a bogey six at the last as he won by nine clear shots to take the US$366,660 first prize in Beijing.

Even though the weather for the final round of the 2008 Volvo China Open may have been inclement, the stars still sparkled as Hong Kong actress and actor Kristy Yang and Simon Ying dropped in on open championship of China.

Speaking on the final day of the Volvo China Open in Beijing, Zhang Xiaoning, Secretary General and Executive Vice President of the China Golf Association praised Volvo’s loyalty and integrity in helping develop the game of golf in his country.

One of the highlights of the final weekend of the 2008 Volvo China Open has been the amazing trickery of David Edwards as he wows the crowds with his remarkable trick-shot show.

For 1999 Volvo China Open champion Kyi Hla Han, his natural habitat has changed from the locker room to the boardroom as he guides the Asian Tour into the next crucial phase of its development.

After three near-perfect days of warm, dry weather, the final day of the 2008 Volvo China Open looks set to be played in the rain as the after effects of the typhoon that has affected Hong Kong meet the cold front coming in from the north of Beijing.

The final day of the 2008 Volvo China sees the tournament perfectly poised with the slight advantage favouring Irishman Damien McGrane who holds a three shot lead over Englishman Oliver Wilson and young Frenchman Michael Lorenzo Vera, Australian Scott Strange and New Zealander Mark Brown five and six shots off the lead respectively.

Damien McGrane birdied the last two holes at Beijing CBD International Golf Club to open up a three stroke lead over Michael Lorenzo-Vera and Oliver Wilson going into the final round of the Volvo China Open.

Exactly a week after his 37^th birthday, Ireland’s Damien McGrane can achieve the ambition of a lifetime by winning his first European Tour title, and what a title it would be, the national open golf championship of the world’s fastest growing and biggest country.

With teenage Chinese sensation Hu Mu the first amateur to qualify for the weekend stages of the Volvo China Open, his proud parents were on hand to witness history in the making.

Ever since the Volvo China Open was launched in 1995, engaging with new or improving golfers has been a central part of Volvo’s approach through the Volvo Teaching School.

Whilst Volvo’s award-winning sponsorship of golf over 20-plus years is the best-known aspect of Volvo’s sporting success, there is much more to the brand than fairways, tees and greens.

With a fleet of 50 brand new Volvo XC90 cars to transport the players at the 2008 Volvo China Open between the official Crowne Plaza Hotel to Beijing CBD Golf & Country Club, safety, quality and environmental care are very much to the fore.

Michael Lorenzo-Vera maintained his lead in the Volvo China Open after a second round littered with birdies kept the young Frenchman ahead of the field in China’s capital city.

Following a rollercoaster round or 69, which included seven birdies two bogeys and even a double bogey, it was a case of déjà vu for 23-year-old Frenchman Michael Lorenzo Vera as he maintained his one-shot lead at the 2008 Volvo China Open in Beijing.

One of the most remarkable stories of Asian golf so far in 2008 is the emergence of 16-year-old Korean kid Noh Seung-yul, the youngster already with two second places to his name in two starts in his rookie season and seemingly set for stardom.

Richard Finch took the clubhouse lead in the Volvo China Open after a second round 69 took the Englishman to seven under par at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

Australian Adam Groom was celebrating with Champagne following a hole-in-one at the 11^th hole in the second round of the Volvo China Open at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

After a slow start in the defense of his Volvo China Open Crown, reigning champion Markus Brier took some significant steps on the second day with a fine three-under-par 69 at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

A generation ago, when the Volvo China Open was launched, golfwear was all about comfort, club class, cashmere sweaters, polo shirts, snug slacks and stout shoes with spikes.

Having hosted the Volvo China Open at one of his other Beijing golf clubs, the Nick Faldo Hong Hua layout, Chairman Li Hao is once again welcoming the Open Golf Championship of China to his domain, this time CBD International, the only Tournament Players Championship (TPC) course in Asia.

With the name of Volvo synonymous with the game of golf, most observers think of cars but alongside the Volvo Car Corporation contribution to golf is Volvo Group and its business-to-business activities which benefit equally well from Volvo’s sponsorship of the Volvo China Open.

The champagne may need to be kept on ice but bubbly French rookie Michael Lorenzo Vera uncorked a fine five-under-par opening round of 67 to top the leaderboard after the first day’s play at the 2008 Volvo China Open in Beijing.

Michael Lorenzo-Vera birdied the last at Beijing CBD International Golf Club to break free of the pack and take the early clubhouse lead in the Volvo China Open.

After 21 years at the helm of Volvo’s golf portfolio and with a highly personalized style of management, Volvo Event Management President & CEO Mel Pyatt is stepping aside, but his legacy will live on.

Unheralded Michael Lorenzo-Vera of France, set the early pace at the Volvo China Open when he fired a five-under-par 67 to take the early first round lead on Thursday.

Starting and keeping a major golf championship such as the Volvo China Open on time is no easy task, but it all starts with the official starters, Ivor Robson from the European Tour on the first tee and Zhukifly Ahmad for the Asian Tour on the 10^th tee.

Six-thirty on a clear cool Beijing April morning and Official Starter Ivor Robson says, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2008 Volvo China Open. On the tee, from Wales, Rhys Davies.”

Back at the Volvo China Open five years after his contemporary new championship winner’s trophy was unveiled, Chinese artist Ren Jun believes his iconic Waterford Crystal piece is standing the test of time.

The first big victory of the 2008 Volvo China Open has been won and it went to Chinese star Zhang Lian Wei who led his pro-am team from Volvo Cars China to victory in the traditional pre-tournament pro-am.

Home star Zhang Lian Wei will be pushing for home glory as he seeks to end his five-year title drought on the Asian Tour at the US$2.2 million Volvo China Open.

Reigning Volvo China Open champion Markus Brier described himself as, “Honoured to be back in China,” and, “Slightly overwhelmed,” with his high-visibility in the 2008 Olympic city as he tries to become the first player in the 14-year history of the Volvo China Open to successfully defend his title.

Ireland’s Graeme McDowell won his first professional championship, the 2002 Volvo Scandinavian Masters in what was only his fourth tournament as a professional.

India’s latest golf sensation, S.S.P Chowrasia believes that he is ready to take another shot at glory and cement his place amongst the game’s elite at this week’s Volvo China Open.

Not one but two Tournament Directors at the Volvo China Open, Wanchai Meechai for the ‘host’ Asian Tour and his colleague from the European Tour Mikael Eriksson, but the pair work in tandem to ensure the success of the Volvo China Open.

TV viewers from over 60 countries from the host nation of China, America to Argentina, Canada to New Zealand and Russia to Singapore and Japan will be able to tune-in live to all the action from the US$2.2million Volvo China Open taking place in the Olympic city of Beijing from 17^th – 20^th April 2008.

Last time Dane Søren Kjeldsen played in a Volvo-sponsored tournament, he lost out in a sudden-death play-off to Justin Rose at the Volvo Masters at Valderrama and he is at the Volvo China Open in Beijing not only because he loves China but because he wants to go one better this time around.

Having made a good account of himself at his US Masters debut in Augusta, Asian Tour number one Liang Wenchong was back in Beijing for Monday practice ahead of the 2008 Volvo China Open.

The 2008 Volvo China Open sees not only the defending champion Markus Brier and 2004 winner Stephen Dodd leading the way for the European Tour but also reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Liang Wenchong and the current leader Mark Brown of New Zealand.

An exciting trio of English young guns, whose names intertwine with one another, head to the US$2.2 million Volvo China Open next week looking to settle some old scores.  

A dazzling line-up of European stars will challenge for honours at the Volvo China Open from April 17-20.

With 30 different nations represented at the 2008 Volvo China Open, the stage is set for the first ‘home’ win of the open era, could the Austrian flag be hoisted for the second successive year or will there be a new flag flying high over the Beijing CBD International Golf Club this year?

Liang Wen-chong is dreaming of lifting the Volvo China Open next month, saying that victory would be akin to winning an Olympic gold medal.

Amateur sensation Hu Mu emerged from a pack of professional golfers to finish as joint winner of the Volvo China Open final qualifying event in  Beijing yesterday, and will now compete in the 156-man field at CBD International Golf Club in two week’s time.

Austrian Markus Brier will attempt to become the first man to successfully defend the Volvo China Open next month in a country which he holds great memories.

Shanghai Silport Golf Club, Wednesday 26^th March. Liu An-da and Kong Wei-hai both scored one-over-par 73’s in their final round to share the top spot in the Volvo China Open Mid China Qualifying at Silport.

Local player Yuan Hao and Fan Zhi Peng from Fujian shot even par 72’s in the final round of the Volvo China Open Southern Qualifying at Harbour Plaza Golf Club in Dongguan to share top place at two under par for the two rounds. They finished three shots ahead of first round leader, Qiu Zhi Feng. All three qualify for the US$2.2 million Volvo China Open in Beijing in April.

New Zealander Mark Brown, having shown some of his potential with a fourth place finish at last year’s Volvo Masters of Asia has started the season in style with back-to-back victories in India and must now be considered a hot prospect for next month’s Volvo China Open in Beijing.

Prize money for the upcoming Volvo China Open in April is to be boosted to US$2.2 million, an increase of US$200,000. Since its start 14 years ago as one of Asia’s premier golf championships, prize money has now multiplied by more than five times.

Press Release Asian Tour 

Unheralded American pro, Todd Vernon, kept a cool head and shot a second round 68 to win the Volvo China Open International Qualifying in Hong Kong. His six under par 138 total allowed him to leapfrog the early leaders and be first to claim a coveted qualifying spot for the US$2.2 million joint European and Asian Tour event.

The fog disappeared overnight but the strong winds remained, however 14 players matched or bettered the par of 72 in the opening round of the Volvo China Open qualifying at Discovery Bay Golf Club today.

PRESS RELEASE ASIAN TOUR: The race for 13 tickets into this year’s Volvo China Open will begin in earnest with the staging of the International Qualifying tournament at Discovery Bay Golf Club in Hong Kong from February 27-28.

As India enjoyed its first taste of European Tour golf, it was not only the host Asian Tour but also the host nation that produced the first co-sanctioned winner of the year as local hero S.S.P Chowrasia won the inaugural Indian Masters.

Entries are now being taken for the four qualifying competitions for the Volvo China Open   They will be held over a five week period from end February to early April starting in Hong Kong with International Qualifying, open to players from worldwide.

2008 sees a sporting feast for China with the Games of the XXIX Olympiad taking place Beijing from 8th - 24th August followed by the Paraympics in the city from 6^th – 17^th September.

Austrian star Markus Brier won the 2007 Volvo China Open and the US$333,330 first prize that accompanied the magnificent Waterford Crystal trophy and gold jacket with a relatively comfortable five-shot winning margin at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

The climax of three days intense and nail biting competition at the 3^rd Volvo China Junior Championship ended with victories for Ye Jian-feng, Zhang Jian, Luo Wen-hao and Wang Xin. Each was crowned junior champion of China in their respective group. Highlight of the championship was 15-year-old Ye Jianfeng’s win in Boys’ Group A (15 to 17 years old). This earned the talented Shenzhen junior a highly coveted spot in the 2008 Volvo China Open.

China’s future golfing stars will tee off in the 3rd Volvo China Junior Championship from October 2nd to 5th, 2007 at Golden Elephant Golf Club knowing that a dream spot in the 2008 Volvo China Open is at stake in the boys’ 15-17 section.  

Reuters - Austrian Markus Brier was coolness personified as he claimed his second European Tour title with a comfortable five-stroke victory at the Volvo China Open.

Winner Markus Brier, R4 67 (-4), Total 274 (-10)

The two top men in the Asian and European Tours have acclaimed the Volvo China Open as a true open golf championship, but agree there is much more still to come.

For the Asian and European Tour players at the Volvo China Open, the healing hands of official physiotherapist Sheelagh Anderson play a vital part in the daily preparation and recovery from fatigue and injury.

Austria’s Markus Brier moved a step closer to his first victory outside his home country after birdieing the last three holes at Shanghai Silport Golf Club to take a one stroke lead into the final round of the Volvo China Open.

Shanghai, April 14: Markus Brier of Austria fired a strong four-under-par 67 for the third round lead at the Volvo China Open with Australia’s Scott Hend lurking a stroke behind on Saturday.

SCOTT HEND (AUS) 70 (FIVE-UNDER-208)

GRAEME MCDOWELL (IRE) 70 (THREE-UNDER-PAR 210)

A fleet of 50 luxury SUV cars, all Volvo XC90’s, have been transporting players and their support teams to and from the Shanghai Silport Golf Club for the 2007 Volvo China Open, further evidence if any were needed of the burgeoning development of an event that is only now into its teens.

The very first chairman of the China Golf Association is to be remembered every year at the Volvo China Open, an event he was instrumental in inauguration with a prestigious award that bears his name in perpetuity.

Mel Pyatt's farewell speech at the Volvo China Open Media Dinner

ADAM BLYTH (AUS) 67 (FIVE-UNDER-PAR 137)

Chinese artist Ren Jun, the creator of the Volvo China Open trophy was given the toughest of all briefs, to reconcile the traditional and contemporary aspects of Chinese culture, and he achieved it in style.

To most observers, top professionals step on the first tee, shoot a basketful of birdies before heading back to the hotel, huge rewards for a working day of just a few hours. But, as Irish star Graeme McDowell explains, there’s more to it than that.

ANDRES ROMERO (ARG) 67 (FOUR-UNDER-PAR 138)

SCOTT HEND (AUS) 67 (FOUR-UNDER-PAR 138)

Champions Cheng Jun (1997) and Zhang Lian Wei (2003) were honored at the Volvo China Open Championship Dinner this week and presented with the new Rong Gao Tang Award. It has been created by the China Golf Association in memory of their first president who passed away in late November last year. Intended as the annual award to the leading Chinese player at the Volvo China Open from 2008 onwards, it was decided that the first recipients should be the two Chinese champions.

MING JIE HUANG (CHN) THREE-UNDER-PAR 68

GARY RUSNAK (USA) TWO-UNDER-PAR 69

Thomas Björn made the most of difficult conditions to share the early clubhouse lead with six other players after a one under par 70 in the first round of the Volvo China Open.

There was nothing unlucky about the 13th Volvo China Open, which got underway on a perfect Chinese spring morning with Shanghai Silport Golf Club looking resplendent and playing tough but fair.

16 top professionals and 48 amateurs enjoyed the final rounds of golf over the Shanghai Silport Volvo China Open course in the traditional pro-am ahead of the US$2million event itself.

Shanghai Silport Golf Club President & CEO Beta Soong says his course is in ‘alpha’ condition for this year’s Volvo China Open and reveals he wants the tournament back at Silport before too long.

Local hero Zhang Lian-wei will be hoping to steer his way to a second home triumph when he competes in the Volvo China Open on Thursday.

It is well-known that the Chinese enjoy a bet and there are some interesting odds on the Volvo China Open, with 2000 champion Simon Dyson the clear pre-tournament favourite ahead of Thomas Björn with Thai star Thingchai Jaidee leading the Asian way ahead of home-based fourth favourite Liang Wen-Chong.

Following a highly-respectable debut in the US Masters at Augusta, Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh is to remain in the USA in order to assist his campaign to earn his US Tour card for next year, thus foregoing the chance to defend his Volvo China Open crown.

On the eve of the 2007 Volvo China Open, the golf course that will test the finest Asian and European Tour players has received universal acclaim both for its condition and for the true test of golf it represents.

With the Shanghai Silport Golf enjoying universal accolades, a truly world-class field, record prize money and the weather set fair, the stage is set for an epic Volvo China Open.

Thai sensations Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant will be on the prowl eager to deliver when the Volvo China Open tees off on Thursday.

The two tournament directors at the Volvo China Open, one from the Asian Tour, the other the European Tour are hoping for the same things, good weather, fair play and a deserving champion, although their opinions diverge when it comes to the winner.

With golfers from no fewer than 40 different countries represented at the 2007 Volvo China Open, the US$2million event is both the most multinational and competitive in the 13-year history of the event.

The cream of the Asian Tour will headline the US$2 million Volvo China Open next week in a bid to extend their recent run of success on the international stage.

Europe's quest to regain the coveted Volvo China Open trophy next week will be led by an emerging band of stars.

England’s Simon Dyson, a specialist in winning titles in Asia, heads full speed to next month's US$2 million Volvo China Open at Shanghai Silport Golf Club ready to emulate his triumphant performance of 2000.

An intriguing mix of proven champions and hungry challengers is on the menu for a mouth-watering Volvo China Open, which starts in Shanghai on 12th April 2007.

Chinese sensation Liang Wen-chong is dreaming of hoisting the Volvo China Open trophy next month at the venue which vaulted him onto the big stage some eight years ago.

Former sushi chef Liu Anda fired a sizzling three-under-par 69 to bounce back from a disappointing first round 76 to win the Mid China Qualifying Tournament at Silport.

India's Jeev Milkha Singh has confirmed his defence of the Volvo China Open crown from April 12-15 where victory last year drove him to a remarkable season in 2006.

Wu Kang-chun made it a memorable first outing as a professional by winning the Volvo China Open South Qualifying competition with a three over-par 75 for a two round total of 146.

Over the next four weeks, 163 hopefuls will try to win one of 12 coveted spots in the US$2 million Volvo China Open which will be held at Shanghai Silport Golf Club from 12th to 15th April. Only the three leading scores qualify in each of four competitions. One competition is for players worldwide while the others are for Chinese nationals only.

Interview with Mr. Mel Pyatt

Volvo China Open announced that the event this year will be held from Apr. 12 to 15 at Shanghai Silport Golf Club. Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) will provide 50 new luxury SUV XC90 as courtesy cars, offering transportation service for players. In addition, SHWTA, VCC’s dealer for East China region, will also provide transportation service for showroom visitors and take them to the event site.

More for China, More for the World as Open Strengthens its Championship Status.

The 13th year – the lace anniversary of the Volvo China Open – is something of a milestone with a prize fund of US$2million, as the event salutes the Volvo Masters gets set to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The 13th Volvo China Open returns to Shanghai Silport Golf Club for the seventh time and takes place the week after the first ‘major’ of the season, the US Masters with defending champion Jeev Milkha Singh making his debut at the Augusta showpiece before flying to Shanghai to defend his crown.

The Volvo China Open is one of a small, elite number of national open championships that require pre-qualification, with qualifying events throughout China and in Hong Kong.

2006 Volvo China Junior Championship is successfully finished on Oct 5 at Beijing CBD International Golf Club, after three rounds fiery match play.

Volvo China Junior Championship, the premier junior golf tournament in China, held a news conference to annouce this year's tournament schedule.

Jeev Milkha Singh became only the second Indian golfer – following Arjun Atwal – to triumph on The European Tour International Schedule when he claimed victory in the Volvo China Open.

England's David Lynn survived a brutal day at the US$1.8 million Volvo China Open as he clung on to his overnight one-stroke lead with a battling even-par 72 in the third round on Saturday

The China Golf Association (CGA) and Volvo have reached a landmark agreement which will extend their long-running partnership in staging the Open Championship of China till 2015.

‘Beware the injured golfer’ is a commonly used phrase within the game and England’s David Lynn gave credence to its authenticity once again in Beijing when he literally limped into the lead at the halfway stage of the Volvo China Open.

Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant celebrated his 200th appearance at the Volvo China Open by making his career 150th cut on Friday.

Zimbabwe's Marc Cayeux fired eight birdies on his way to a seven-under-par 65 and a share of the early lead in the Volvo China Open second round.

It was a home victory for Honghua International Golf Club at the traditional pro-am ahead of the Volvo China Open with English professional Chris Rodgers leading his team to a narrow victory over another Honghua team led by 2000 Volvo China Open champion Simon Dyson.

Ryder Cup star Paul Casey is hoping to drive his way into Volvo China Open folklore by becoming the first player to win the Championship twice.

Sweden's emerging superstar Henrik Stenson and revitalised Frenchman Jean Van de Velde will challenge for the Volvo China Open crown at the Nick Faldo-designed Beijing Honghua International Golf Club this week.

A jubilant Lai Hong Lin outclassed the rest of the field with a 73 for a 36 hole total of 146 in the Volvo China Open's final qualifying competition at Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

Tsai Chi Huang from Chinese Taipei scored an even par final round of 72 to take the top spot in the Volvo China Open's mid China Qualifying competition at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

Even though the Volvo China Open qualifying tournaments at Harbour Plaza, Silport and Beijing CBD are in full swing at the moment, life is equally hectic in the setting up of the main event at Beijing Hong Hua Golf Club for 13th to 16th April. This year prize money has gone up 38% to US$1.8 million.

England's Paul Casey has confirmed his title defence of the Volvo China Open next month as he bids for a unique double.

Veteran Taiwanese pro Lin Ji Xiang shot a four under par round of 68 to win himself a place in the US$1.8 million Volvo China Open at Hong Hua Golf Club in three weeks time.

Beijing, March 1: China's national Open returns to the capital city of Beijing next month with a strengthening commitment from title sponsor Volvo to further grow the Championship and expand the game across the world's most populous nation.

Prize money for the Volvo China Open has risen a remarkable 450% over the past three years, and is confirmation of Volvo¡¦s ambitious plans for Chinese golf in general and the Open Golf Championship of the world¡¦s largest nation in particular.

(Reuters) – England’s Paul Casey fired a closing round 65 to surge through the field and set up a play-off victory over compatriot Oliver Wilson in the Volvo China Open at Shenzhen Golf Club. Casey, who won €184,533 (£126,354) for his fifth European Tour title to move to second on the 2006 Order of Merit, had trailed overnight leader Ross Fisher by six strokes in joint 15th place but his superb finish set a 13 under-par total of 275 which only Wilson could match.

Rookie Ross Fisher continued to show how quickly he has become comfortable in the world of The European Tour when a calm and controlled third round showing at the Shenzhen Golf Club saw him take a one shot lead into the final round of the Volvo China Open. Fisher carded a 68 for an 11 under par total of 205 to head his former English amateur team-mate Oliver Wilson and overnight leader Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, Wilson posting a third round 71 for 206 while Plaphol – bidding to become the third Thai golfer to win on The European Tour – had his worst day of the week so far and recorded a 74.

Chawalit Plaphol gave himself the ideal platform to go on to become the third Thai golfer - after Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant - to win a co-sanctioned event between The European Tour and the Asian Tour when he moved into a three shot lead at the halfway stage of the Volvo China Open at the Shenzhen Golf Club. Jaidee won the 2004 Carlsberg Malaysian Open while Wiratchant triumphed in the 2005 Enjoy Jakarta Standard Chartered Indonesia Open, and Plaphol was equally as convincing as his two compatriots in spreadeagling the field in the second event of the 2006 European Tour season.

François Delamontagne maintained the current joie de vivre surrounding French professional golf when he moved into a share of the lead with Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol after the first round of the Volvo China Open.

Stephen Dodd enjoyed his greatest professional season in 2005 with two European Tour victories and a career-high finish of 17th on the Order of Merit, topped off last weekend by victory alongside Bradley Dredge in the WGC- Algarve World Cup in Portugal. This week the Welshman returns to the tournament where it all began when he defends his title in the Volvo China Open.

Hong Kong, November 17: Flamboyant Frenchman Jean Van De Velde will be aiming to complete his comeback year in style when he competes in the Volvo China Open next week.

Hong Kong, November 14: China's Liang Wen-chong is pushing for home glory at the US$1.3 million Volvo China Open next week to cap a memorable year, both on and off the fairways.

A total of 23 Chinese players have earned the right to play in this year's Volvo China Open via several entry categories. Those who will tee off on Thursday 24th November are as follows:

Hong Kong, November 4: Ryder Cup heroes Paul Casey and Thomas Levet will star in the US$1.3 million Volvo China Open later this month alongside swashbuckling Englishman Nick Dougherty.

Hong Kong, October 25: There is no place like home for Chinese trailblazer Zhang Lian-wei as he dreams of a second title in the US$1.3 million Volvo China Open from November 24-27.

Gu Hao Ran, Liu Guo Jie and Liao Gui Ming claimed the last three spots available in the upcoming Volvo China Open in November. On a day of high tension they won through at the south China Pre Qualifying competition at Nansha golf Club, and now will join an elite field, including top pros from the European and Asian Tours, to tee off in China’s US$1,300,000 Open Golf Championship.Seasoned pro, Gu Hao Ran secured the top spot with a fine two under par 70.

It was a day for the men at the North Pre Qualifying competition at Beijing CBD International Golf Club. The three spots available in the Volvo China Open went to two pros and an amateur – all men.

Liu Anda, a teaching pro from Shandong Province fired a level-par round of 72 in wet and windy conditions to win the inaugural Volvo China Open Pre-qualifying event at Silport Golf Club in Shanghai today.

The Volvo China Open will take on a more "Open" stance this year with pre-qualifying to be held for the first time in the Championship's 11-year history.

Welshman Stephen Dodd, who made his European Tour debut as an amateur 15 years ago, savoured his first Tour victory at the 166th attempt when he withstood the challenge of Dane Thomas Björn to win the Volvo China Open at Shanghai Silport Golf Club in China.

Welshman Stephen Dodd recovery from a potentially damaging triple bogey seven in the third round of the Volvo China Open to stay on course to record his first European Tour victory at Shanghai Silport Golf Club in China.

Welshman Stephen Dodd battled biting cold and windy conditions to open up a three stroke shot lead at the halfway stage of the Volvo China Open after a two under par 70 took him to six under par 138.

Well rested Welshman Bradley Dredge proved he was refreshed and ready for action when he moved into a share of the lead with Australia's Unho Park after the first round of the Volvo China Open, the first counting event on The 2005 European Tour International Schedule.

The Volvo China Open, celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, will be showcased across China over the next four years with a commitment from the title sponsor, Volvo to increase the prize fund significantly.

Dear Mr. Melvyn Pyatt,

Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley and former British Open winner Paul Lawrie will headline the Volvo China Open later this month along with five of this season's winners from the European Tour.

The US$1 million Volvo China Open announced it will open the 2005 European Tour season at Shanghai Silport Golf Club on 25th-28th November. At the Asian PGA annual awards ceremony in Bangkok last December, the club became the first to be voted 'Best Venue' for the second time in three years by the pros on the Asian PGA Tour. Now it will be the host venue for the Volvo China Open for the sixth year in a row.

China was celebrating last night after Zhang Lian Wei fulfilled a nine-year quest by winning the US$500,000 Volvo China Open. The 38-year-old golfing pioneer overcame nerves and a fast-diminishing lead to deliver for an expectant nation at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

Three days after becoming a US$1 million event, the Volvo China Open last night (Friday) joined the European Tour.

A gallery appeared for Zhang Lianwei at the Volvo China Open yesterday (Friday) and China's superstar started to feel the heat. Crowds are usually sparse to non-existent in China as the game of golf has not yet reached the common man. But with Zhang everyone's favourite to win the title he desires the most, the fans came out in droves.

The SARS induced switch of date of the Volvo China Open two months later to November has meant a new challenge in course management for the Silport staff.

It wasn't that long ago that you could predict with some confidence that one of a group of five or six top players would win a tournament. Beyond Woods, Els, Michelsen, Garcia, Singh in the US or Montgomery, Harrington, Clarke, Goosen, Westwood in Europe or Atwal, Zhang, Jaidee, Rhandawa and Kang Wook Soon in Asia, there were few names that sprang to mind. Now, it seems, a lot more unknown players are breaking through to win and fewer players are winning more than one event in a season.

David Gleeson begins his defence of the Volvo China Open on Thursday (Nov 13) wondering how many parts of his game will show up. The Australian is still trying to get his act and mind together to match the high expectations of a former world junior champion.

Zhang Lian Wei wants to take the game to the masses. He sponsors a junior programme and is pushing for public courses in China. But his best advertisement would be winning the US$500,000 Volvo China Open. The 38-year-old Zhang put himself in prime position to achieve that aim by taking a share of the lead after the first round at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club on Thursday. He was joined by the Philippines' Danny Zarate and Angelo Que.

David Gleeson has the pedigree, the temperament and the talent. And on Sunday the young Australian put it all together to score his first win as a professional in the US$500,000 Volvo China Open.

When James Kingston wins, it's either by a country mile or in a playoff. The South African is hoping for the former but will gladly settle for the latter when the US$500,000 Volvo China Open reaches its climax in Shanghai on Sunday.

Pablo Del Olmo came to China with no expectations - they had been destroyed in South Korea. Now the Mexican is hoping to leave with the Volvo China Open and a World Cup place in the bag.

Adam Scott may be the name on everyone's lips as the next superstar from Australia but another youngster from the production line Down Under, David Gleeson, is taking a route through Asia to the world stage.

China trailblazer Zhang Lianwei can feel the weight of expectation as he gears up for the US$500,000 Volvo China Open. The 36-year-old desperately wants to win his national open, but will settle for a role as a pioneer as he parades his talent in Japan and afar.

The best of Asian golf was showcased at the USD400,000 Volvo China Open, arguably one of Asia’s foremost national events.

England’s Simon Dyson sank a nerve-jangling eight footer for par at the last to lift the USD400,000 Volvo China Open by one stoke today and became only the third man to secure two consecutive wins on the Davidoff Tour.

English rookie Simon Dyson put himself on the threshold of back-to-back triumphs when he opened a three-stroke lead after the third round of the USD400,000 Volvo China Open today.

Simon Dyson of England believes he can win his second straight title at the USD400,000 Volvo China Open after firing a three-under-par 69 in the second round today for a share of the half way lead with American Chris Hunsucker.

Felix Casas of the Philippines used a borrowed club as he launched another attempt to rid his nearly-man tag with a seven-under-par 65 for a share of the USD400,000 Volvo China Open first round lead today.

Myanmar’s Kyi Hla Han won the USD400,000 Volvo China Open at Shanghai Silport Golf Club today by seven strokes, after leaving the field trailing in his wake with five consecutive birdies at the start of his round.

Myanmar’s Kyi Hla Han, who blew an excellent chance of claiming his first title on the Asian PGA Tour three weeks ago, will have another opportunity tomorrow after taking the third round lead in the USD400,000 Volvo China Open.

Thailand’s Thammanoon Sriroj produced a brilliant birdie, birdie, birdie finish today to take the halfway lead in the USD400,000 Volvo China Openat Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

A wild tee-shot cost Thailand’s Thammanoon Sriroj the outright lead today in the USD400,000 Volvo China Open at Shanghai Silport Golf Club. Thammanoon fired a first round five-under par 67 in the Asian PGA Tour event to tie with Hong Kong’s Scott Rowe and Pakistan’s Taimur Hussain, but he was disappointed not to be out in front on his own.

Nobody was surprised to see 26 year old English man, Ed Fryatt, come out on top at the Volvo China Open. Having beaten Ryder Cup hero Lee Westwood in a play off for the Malaysian Open in March, he came to SunIsland International Club brimful of confidence.

Putting tip from last year’s Volvo Ranking winner, John Wither, sees Cheng Jun cruise to historic victory by five shots.

Prayad Marksaeng secures his first tournament win outside his native Thailand by an emphatic nine strokes.

Top R&A official, David Simons, flew in to Beijing at the end of May to meet and find out first hand how golf is developing in China.

With the Tianshou mountain range providing a spectacular backdrop, Paraguayan Raul Fretes scaled new heights of excellence to write his name into golfing history as the first winner of the Volvo China Open. Report by Spencer Robinson.

Mel Pyatt has been the main driving force behind the concept and the setting up of the Volvo China Tour and Volvo China Open. In a frank interview with Asian Golfer managing editor Spencer Robinson, on the eve of the historic golfing development, Pyatt, president of Event Management Corporation discussed the route that he has mapped out for Volvo’s involvement with golf in China and other Asian countries.