November 11 2009, Hong Kong: China’s Liang Wen-chong will be hoping to seal his place as Asia’s number one for the second time by winning the UBS Hong Kong Open this week.

The Chinese was Asia’s number one in 2007 and knows that nothing other than a second place finish or a win at the US$2.5million showpiece will allow him to pip Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee for the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown.

The Indian field consists of Asian Tour star Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur, C. Muniyappa and Gaganjeet Bhullar amongst others. 

Liang Wen-chong came close to winning his third Asian Tour title in Singapore a fortnight ago and believes that his game is peaking at the right time for his final push towards becoming Asia’s number one again.

“I’m feeling very good about my game now. I’m playing well and if I play true to form, I should be able to do well,” said Liang.

“Every sportsman sets out to win and I’m no different. We only want to do our best out there and hopefully our best is good enough to win,” added the Chinese.

With one eye on overtaking Thongchai in the Order of Merit, the Chinese also believes that claiming top honours at this week’s event at the Hong Kong Golf Club will underline his growing credentials as one of China’s leading players and further raise the profile of the game in the world’s most populous country.

“Golf is on the rise in China and I hope that my performance will inspire many of my fellow countrymen to take up the sport and make an impact on the world stage,” said Liang.

While Liang has set his sights on winning the title this week, newly honoured Asian Tour honorary member Yang Yong-eun has also promised a week to remember for all and live up to his tag as one of Asia’s finest players.

Yang made headlines when he became the first Asian to win a Major and much will be expected of the 37-year-old when he returns to the continent that has basked in the spotlight following his win at the PGA Championship in August.

“It’s a great honour to be a honorary member of the Asian Tour and for the executive chairman, Kyi Hla Han to come out and present me with that honour is something that even I feel honoured myself,” said Yang.

It will only be the second appearance in the event for Yang, having finished tied 61st in 2002. However, expectations are now higher for the Korean since he last played in Hong Kong seven years ago.

Yang will however be hoping to address a dip in form suffered since his Major win and ignite his title charge again.

“This is my ninth event since that win and I’ve been traveling almost round the world, all across the US, from New York to San Francisco to Shanghai and now Hong Kong,” said Yang.

“To be honest, it has been a very tough schedule. I’m enjoying it but my body is not following my heart and my brain. It’s taking a toll on me but hopefully I can tolerate and work through it with a win this week,” added the Asian Tour honorary member.

The UBS Hong Kong Open is Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 and will once again be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour from November 12-15.