Zhang holds on to Guangzhou Championship trophy

　　March 16, 2008: Zhang Lianwei successfully defended his US$100,000 Guangzhou Championship title by holding off talented Chinese Taipei duo Chan Yihshin and Hsu Mongnan, both impressing in their debut appearance on the Omega China Tour.

　　Zhang started the day two ahead of Chan and stretched his lead to five with a birdie at the second hole, as Chan went on to suffer a bogey-strewn front nine.

　　After that, the Chinese star stayed clear in front and came home in one-over-par 73 for a three-under total of 285, four strokes ahead of his playing partners. Hsu also shot 73 while Chan carded a 75.

　　“I was always confident. Even if I compete against the number one player in the world, I believe in myself and play my game,” said Zhang, who won RMB150,000 (US$21,000).

　　“I really hope the younger generation of Chinese golfers can have a similar attitude when they take to the course. The main competition in golf is yourself, so you should always be confident,” he added.

　　Chan had led by three strokes after the opening round and by one from Hsu at the halfway stage, creating talk of the possibility of the Omega China Tour’s first non-mainland winner.

　　However, at the weekend the Chinese Taipei duo, both special invites, were comprehensively outplayed by the 42-year-old Zhang over the tough Dragon Lake Golf Club layout, venue for the 2010 Asian Games golf event.