Zhang Na predicted that it will be a domestic player lifting the inaugural Orient China Women's Open trophy when the country's first national Open Championship concludes on Sunday.

Speaking in Xiamen, Fujian Province, where the US$200,000 tournament tees off today at the Orient Xiamen Golf Country Club, the 24-year-old Beijing native said if it wasn't her winning the US$30,000 first prize, it would be one of her compatriots.

The prediction is particularly bold considering the 118-player field includes a strong group of South Koreans and Thais.

"This could serve as a signal for the rise of China's women professional players, especially with the strong group of foreign pros competing in Xiamen," said the former three-time China amateur champion.

Zhang, who captured last year's Orient Masters Tour Order of Merit and won the Guangdong Province leg of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour in Wuyi in February, said her form was on the rise.

"I'm not being complacent or over confident, instead I am just adopting a positive approach."

Zhong Xiaolong, another of the country's top female professionals, was also upbeat about her chances.

"The Chinese professionals need to strut their stuff and enhance the image of women's golf in China. I'm confident of churning out a good performance by taking advantage of the climate, wind and home ground," said the Beijinger who was equal second at the Hong Kong Ladies Masters in February.
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(Shanghai Daily November 16, 2006)