Jan 31, 2018: Li Haotong says he is full of confidence heading into this week’s Maybank Championship following his spectacular victory in Dubai.
The Chinese star held off the challenge of Rory McIlroy at Emirates Golf Club to land a second European Tour title at the Omega Dubai Dessert Classic.
And now the 22-year-old is hoping he can maintain his fine form at Saujana Golf & Country Club, where he recorded a top-five finish 12 months ago.
“It’s definitely such a big honour after last week,” said Li. “I gained a lot of confidence and experience, so quite happy I can be out there and in that position.
“It gave me a lot of confidence and I am feeling great, especially against Rory on Sunday. I think nothing to lose and staying patient was key.
Sometimes one week can change everything, I will try my best to play well this week and hopefully have a special week – Li Haotong
“I think my game is pretty solid and I’m putting very well. This week I will just try to save some energy for the week and hopefully play well and enjoy the pressure.
“It’s been really good, especially this course, if you put the ball on the fairway all the time you are going to make a lot of birdies.
“Sometimes one week can change everything, I will try my best to play well this week and hopefully have a special week.”
Another player coming into the event in fine form is France’s Alex Levy, who finished fourth in Dubai having been seventh in Abu Dhabi a week earlier.
The ever-consistent 27-year-old has only missed two cuts in the last 12 months on the European Tour and hopes to keep his good run going.
“I am a little bit tired so I will try to keep my energy and try to do my best,” he said. “Five weeks far from home and it’s quite warm here, so I just do my best.
“I will try to do my best this week but you know with golf sometimes it is good and sometimes it is not. I need to stay focused and to try my best.
“I think they changed the order so it is a different stretch, so I would say the last six holes are the most important because you can make some birdies but get in trouble as well.”
European Tour Release
