China's Zhang Lian-wei jets in for Volvo Masters

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): China's Zhang Lian-wei has returned from the European Tour in an attempt to win the Volvo Masters of Malaysia for the third year in a row.

The tournament, which this year is making its debut on the Asian PGA's Omega Tour, is being played at Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah and boasts prize money of US$200,000.

Two weeks ago Zhang was in Spain for the season-ending Volvo Masters at Montecastillo Golf Club, one of nine European Tour events he played in 1997, where he placed joint 32nd. He went home to Shenzhen last week for a break before setting his sights on the Volvo Masters of Malaysia.

"I am learning a lot by playing in Europe," said Zhang, " but I am Asian and it is important for me to keep playing in Asia. It feels good to come back to my part of the world. Next year will be another busy year but I will also be playing a lot of golf in Asia."

Zhang's bid for a third consecutive Volvo Masters will be hampered by a nagging cold caused by the climate changes he has been through over recent weeks.

"I am feeling tired and I have a bit of a cold," said Zhang. "I played badly in the pro-am today. I am a little weak but I am sure when the tournament starts I will be concentrating and will forget about my cold," Zhang said.

The last time Zhang was in Malaysia was for the Mild Seven Kuala Lumpur Open at the end of September. He placed joint second in that event, behind Korean-American Charlie Wi, after successfully negotiating the haze that was smothering the city.

The haze has dispersed for the Volvo Masters and been replaced with sunshine and afternoon showers which have created hot and humid conditions.

A win for Zhang will also mark his tenth win as a professional. In a brilliant three year professional career the 32-year-old has won the Volvo Masters of Malaysia and Thailand twice, the Volvo Matchplay Championship, three 36 hole titles on the Volvo China Tour and the China Closed Championship.

One of the main threats to Zhang is likely to come from India's Jeev Milkha Singh who is closing in on the Omega Order of Merit crown.

A win this week, worth $32,200, will allow Singh to move into the top position on the Merit list. Singh is currently second with winnings of $103,366 behind American Mike Cunning who leads on $133,849.

Cunning is not playing in the Volvo Masters as he is competing in the second stage of the U.S. PGA Tour Qualifying School. Four more 72-hole strokeplay events remain on the Omega Tour after the Volvo Masters of Malaysia.