China Tour players concern for earthquake(2)

　　“I’m very sad about this as my home is close to many damaged areas,” she said. “Many schools in the town have been destroyed, so many children have died. When I finish the tournament, I will go straight home to see my family.”

　　Chinese Taipei star Lu Wen-teh, who became the Tour’s first non-mainland winner at last month’s Kunming Championship, added his voice to those expressing their concern.

　　“Chinese Taipei has also suffered many bad earthquakes in the past,” said the 45-year-old. “I’m very sad for the people affected and the damage done.”

　　Li and Lu are the favourites at this week’s event, which is being held at the Orient (Shanghai) Golf and Country Club.

　　Li is looking to regain his winning touch on the Tour after missing the cut in last month’s Kunming Championship. It was the first time he had even finished outside the top 10 on the Tour, having played in every one of the 21 events since its inception in 2005.

　　After Kunming, Li bounced back to become the only Chinese player to make the cut in all three Asian Tour events in China and is now at the tail-end of a hectic schedule of nine tournaments in 11 weeks.

　　“I’m happy I made the cut in the Asian Tour events, but that chapter is now closed and it’s time to focus on this week in Shanghai and next week in Nanjing,” said the six-foot four-inch former football goalkeeper.