China's stars Liang, Zhang confirmed for Macau Open

China's number one golfer Liang Wen-chong and two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lian-wei Tuesday confirmed their participation at next month's Venetian Macau Open.

The 16th edition of the Venetian Macau Open, one of the highlights of the Asian Tour calendar, will tee off at the Macau Golf and Country Club Oct 23-26 with a record prize fund of $900,000.

The 36 year-old Liang hopes to join Zhang as champion in Macau after making history in June when he became the first Chinese golfer to play in all four Major championships when he teed off at the US Open at Pinehurst.

With a recent runner-up finish in Japan, the Zhongshan native is feeling upbeat ahead of his appearance at the Venetian Macau Open.

"I am looking forward to competing at the Venetian Macau Open again," commented Liang.

"I performed well at last year's tournament and I am a big fan of the course. With star players like Ernie Els, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Thongchai Jaidee and Scott Hend confirmed for the event, I am sure the competition will be tough, but I will do my best and get a good result."

His compatriot, Zhang is a big supporter of the Venetian Macau Open and has played in every tournament since the tournament's inauguration in 1998.

He missed the 2003 edition because of injury. With five Asian Tour victories to his name, the Asian Tour veteran is also the only player to win consecutive titles in Macau, claiming victory in 2001 and 2002.