Apr 25, 2018:Young Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma will be eyeing a memorable debut at the Volvo China Open when he tees off at the Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
It has been a meteoric rise for Sharma since claiming his breakthrough victory at the Joburg Open last December. The 21-year-old Indian secured his second title in Malaysia two months later and went on to finish top-10 in his World Golf Championship debut in Mexico, thereby earning an invite for his Major debut at The Masters tournament.
Sitting atop the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings following a victory and one top-10 result, India’s number one Sharma has established himself as one of the title favorites at the CN¥20,000,000 (approx. US$3,178,000) event, which is the oldest professional golf tournament in the Middle Kingdom.
He will spearhead the Asian Tour challenge alongside Thai stars Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee, as well as reigning Order of Merit champion Gavin Green of Malaysia, who was awarded the 2017 Sportsman of the Year by his state government last week.
Fresh from winning his fifth European Tour title in Morocco last week, Alexander Levy of France is confident of launching a successful title defence where he will also take aim at winning the tournament for a record third time this week. He is the only player to have won twice.
Local prospect Yanwei Liu reckons home comfort will provide an edge for him when he chases for glory in what will be his sixth appearance in his National Open. The 20-year-old is among the record 42 players who will represent China in the prestigious event.
The 24th edition of the Volvo China Open is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the China Golf Association. It is staged for the third successive year at the Topwin Golf and Country Club.
Asian Tour Release
