Rookies from China look to make it big

Beijing: Little-known Shang Lei and Wu Ashun may not be regularly hitting fairways and greens on the Asian Tour but these Chinese rookies are hell-bent on emulating the success of Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong.

Shang and Wu have endured a baptism by fire in their quest for glory across the region since earning playing rights through the gruelling qualifying school in Malaysia last December.

While delighted that they are finally rubbing shoulders with Asia’s best, their records so far are not impressive. Shang has missed the cut in all of his seven appearances. Wu has enjoyed a slightly better record with a tied 36th finish.

Despite the lack of early success, the duo are determined to scale new heights in their quest to emulate trailblazers Zhang and Liang. "I was really happy to make it through the qualifying school. There were so many good players there and it was quite a challenge," said Shang, who turned professional in 2003. "But now that I’ve made it through, I am looking forward to greater exposure outside of China. By joining the Tour, I have the opportunity to play on different courses and different countries which create different challenges."

While he respects Zhang and Liang, Shang idolises world No. 1 Tiger Woods. "Tiger is my favourite player. You can find weaknesses in other players but when Tiger is competing, he is solid in every aspect."

Compatriot Wu, who turned professional last season, shares a similar sentiment to Shang. "I was overjoyed when I made it through qualifying school. I made the cut in my first ever tournament at the Sail Open which was a great start for me," said Wu. (AFP)