Weir aiming for winning debut in Hong Kong  HONG KONG -- Canadian star Mike Weir is shooting for a winning debut at the $2.25 million UBS Hong Kong Open, which tees off on Thursday.  Mike Weir won the Fry's Electronics Open in October. (WireImage)
The 2003 Masters champion has hit a rich vein of form following his stunning singles triumph against Tiger Woods in the Presidents Cup recently, which was followed by his first PGA TOUR victory in three years. With the year coming to a close, the lefthander intends to make his season even sweeter at the esteemed Hong Kong Golf Club. "In the first part of the year, I was trying to get comfortable with the changes to my game and at the end of the year now, I am feeling more comfortable. I played solid at the Presidents Cup and it's been a good run towards the end of the year for me. "It's in my mind to win here this week but there are a lot of good players out there," said Weir, who is ranked 34th in the world. Among the stars at the UBS Hong Kong Open include South African Retief Goosen, Korea's Choi Kyung-ju, who is placed 12th in the world, Sweden's Daniel Chopra, defending champion Jose Manuel Lara of Spain and compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez and English legend Nick Faldo. Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit leader, Liang Wen-chong of China will be striving to cement his position atop the rankings as he faces off with the likes of last year's UBS Hong Kong Open runner-up Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and in-form Thai youngster Chapchai Nirat. The 37-year-old Weir is enjoying his trip to the Far East and said the fabled venue was a great challenge. The UBS Hong Kong Open is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. "The golf course is great. It is very difficult on the greens and around the greens. I think that through most parts, the tournament will be won or lost on and around the greens. If you miss the greens, it follows all the way down then you don't have much green to work on and it will be tough to pitch it back up so I think that's going to be tough," said Weir. Liang, who has won once in Singapore this season and posted eight other top-10 finishes, leads the merit race from South African Anton Haig by over US$60,000 and with a record prize pot on offer this week, he knows a good performance can take him closer to his dream of becoming the first player from China to win the prestigious UBS Order of Merit. "I have been struggling with my putting but now I have a better feel on the greens. I will put my head down and strive for the best as it is a very crucial event for me. Anyone has a chance to take over the lead this week. Guys like Simon Yates and Frankie Minoza could easily overtake me but I will do my best," said Liang. Acknowledging the steady growth of the game in Asia, Australia's Stuart Appleby is glad to return to Fanling after a four week break from competitive golf. "There has been amazing growth here and nearby. The course is as I remember it but playing a bit shorter than I remember, probably to do with the advances in technology. But I have been on a break now for four weeks so it is good to get back in the saddle and get back playing," said Appleby. |
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