China's Liang Wenchong heads into this week's British Open armed with the self-belief that the ancient art of yoga can re-launch his stuttering season at Turnberry, Scotland.
After becoming the first mainland Chinese star to compete and play in all four rounds at the world's oldest major last year, Liang is anxiously looking forward to his second straight Open outing after a poor run of form.
His best finish on the Asian Tour was a tied-seventh at the Maybank Malaysian Open in February but he subsequently missed the cuts at the Johnnie Walker Classic and Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open and was forced to withdraw from the Ballantine's Championship due to illness.
Liang, China's first Asian Tour No 1 after winning the Order of Merit in 2007, has since turned to yoga instructor Wu Zhenwei to help improve his fortunes ahead of Turnberry.
"I've discovered the benefits of what yoga can do to my game ever since I started working with Wu. I've learnt how to focus better and the stretching exercises have also helped speed up my recovery processes," said Liang, who has been nursing a shoulder injury he picked up in Japan.
With the game growing in popularity domestically and as China's sole flag bearer at Turnberry, Liang knows the pressure will be squarely on his shoulders to advance his nation's standing.
"Being the first Chinese to play at the British Open (last year) was an honor for me," said Liang, who has two titles on the Asian Tour under his belt. "I hope to play to my best ability and produce a good result this year. It will be important for golf in Asia and China."
At Royal Birkdale 12 months ago, the tenacious Chinese made the cut for the first time in three major appearances, ultimately finishing equal 64th.
The 30-year-old aims to build on that experience to better his performance and does not plan on just making up the field this week.
"I'm feeling all recharged now. Besides Kel Llewellyn (Liang's coach), I'm happy to be working with Wu to fine-tune all aspects of my game," said the proud new father of a baby girl.
The Zhongshan-based talent realizes the enormity of his appearance in the British Open and has been steeling himself so cometh the hour cometh the man.
"I'm looking forward to a strong showing as I know that it will fuel the growing interest of golf in China and inspire a new generation of golfers back home," said Liang, who earned his Open place after finishing in the top-four at the International Final Qualifying in Asia.
(China Daily July 16, 2009)
