Little-known Shang Lei and Wu Ashun may not be regularly hitting fairways and greens on the Asian Golf Tour but the Chinese rookies are hell-bent on emulating the success of Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wen-chong.
Shang and Wu have endured a baptism of fire in their quest for glory across the region since earning their playing rights through the grueling Qualifying School in Malaysia last December.
While delighted that they are finally rubbing shoulders with Asia's best, their playing records so far do not make impressive reading, with the 26-year-old Shang missing the cut in all of his seven appearances and Wu enjoying a slightly better record with a tied 36th finish and three missed cuts.
Despite the lack of early success, the duo are determined to scale new heights in their quest to emulate Zhang, the pioneer of Chinese golf with five wins on the Asian Tour, and Liang, who is the reigning Asian Tour's number one.
"I was really happy to make it through the Qualifying School. There were so many good players there and it was quite a challenge. But now that I've made it through, I am looking forward to greater exposure outside of China," said Shang.
The Chinese youngsters finished in the top-40 at the Asian Tour' s Qualifying School, with Shang coming in a creditable fourth while Wu was placed tied 24th.
Shang's golfing journey began on the amateur trail when he was 16 and he joined a golf school to learn the traits of the game. Not only did he have the opportunity to hone his swing, Shang also picked up vital ingredients that make a champion -- good work ethics and a strict regime.
After turning professional in 2003, he competed on the local circuit for five years, winning twice along the way, before taking the bold decision to try his hand at the Asian Tour Qualifying School.
"I chose the Asian Tour as I want to gain exposure outside of China," said Shang.
