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Swedish golf star Henrik Stenson says he is ready to leave his recent sluggish form behind and will fight for a good result at the Volvo China Open, teeing off today in Beijing Honghua International Golf Club.

"Everyone has ups and downs. I will try to get a good result at the tournament," said the world No 13 golfer.

The powerful Swede, whose prodigious stature makes him an exciting golfer to watch, is the highest ranked golfer coming to China. However, he has missed the cut twice this month, including the BellSouth Classic at Sugarloaf and the US Masters. He needs to be back on track in order to dethrone the reigning champion Paul Casey of England.

"I hope to adjust myself well. Whoever is at the top form will win the Open.

"Yes, (as the favourite title contender), it is definitely a bit of pressure. You get some good compliments from the media and other players due to good results."

Shrugging off the concerns of cold weather and swirling winds, Stenson aims to emulate Welshman Stephen Dodd (2005) and Casey to win the tile in his debut appearance.

"The weather is cold. But it is a good layout and it is challenging. It is fun and great to play against some of the best players in the world," said Stenson, winner of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters in January.

Speaking of the elimination from the US Masters, Stenson said he will keep on improving for a better result next year.

"I have to compete more and get more experiences for next year. I hope to come back and do better."

The emerging star is also looking forward to playing as a member of the Ryder Cup team.

"It is wonderful to have a chance to play in the team. It would be a highlight of my career.

"I have to play more in European tours to gain enough points."

Stenson is now ranked second in the latest European Ryder Cup world points list. The top five after the BMW International Open ends on September 3 will automatically qualify for the team.

Chinese duo

China golf stars Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong are the local title contenders.

Zhang played down the pressure of being China's top player and would like to see it as the motivation to push him for a title win.

"When I saw so many golf fans watching my training yesterday, I am glad and I want to thank them for their support," said Zhang.

"I absolutely feel the pressure when the fans pin their hope on me. I will turn the pressure into motivation. If I could win the Volvo China Open here in Beijing, it would be a great feeling," said Zhang, who finished seventh at last year's Open in Shenzhen.

Also, as the only Chinese mainland golfer to make the cut at last year's tournament, Zhang expressed his eagerness to see as many fellow players as possible to advance into the finals at the weekend.

"The experience last year told us that to see only one player into the final round is not enough. I hope more golfers will fight to make the cut. I am not sure how many will make the cut, but I think there should be more than last year," said Zhang, who won the 2003 Volvo China Open.

Zhang, a five-time winner on the Asian Tour, also paid tribute to Volvo's contribution towards the growth of golf in China. "Since 1995, Volvo has been devoted to golf in China and has shown its support by being the first corporation to sponsor China's national Open. Since then, the event has grown to an international level with increased prize money."

Turning pro in 1995, Zhang, at 40, also witnessed the rapid progress of the sport in China.

"In the first ten years, China was just exploring the sport. In the second period, golf was promoted around the nation. Now, at the beginning of the third ten-year development, I see Chinese golf is taking giant strides."

China has six European tour events this season and the prize money is soaring every year.

"The speed is beyond all my expectations. I am sure this period will become a magnificent chapter in China's golfing history."

Zhang was pleased that he will not be alone in the preliminaries, as a group of local golfers will join him.

Among them, Liang Wenchong is the favourite to make the cut or even win the title.

Liang is in good form after winning the China Tour last month, with Zhang finishing in second place.

"We have been competing and growing together in the past years. I am glad to see him achieve such good results," said Zhang. "He is my good partner and also my good friend."

"We shall fight together and win for the glory of China."

(China Daily April 13, 2006)