Two Chinese amateurs will have the chance of a lifetime to rub shoulders with some of the world's best players at the US$1.8 million Volvo China Open starting tomorrow.

Xu Wenjun and Li Xiaoming are among 10 players who earned tickets to the Open championship of the world's most populous nation after prevailing in qualifiers held over three venues.

For 22-year-old Xu, the long hours of practising during the winter months has paid off handsomely as he prepares to face the stars which include title holder Paul Casey of England, reigning Asian Tour No 1 Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, former British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland and world No 12 Henrik Stenson of Sweden.

"I didn't think I had a chance of getting through to the Volvo China Open," said Xu, who only started playing six years ago.

Xu works at a driving range in Beijing and picked up the sport by hitting balls during his spare time. Little did he realize that it would lead him to a place in his home Open at Beijing Honghua Golf Club.

"In the quiet periods, especially during winter, I'm able to practice a lot at the range sometimes for half a day or more. It's wonderful that I've got this opportunity to play in our national Championship this is what all Chinese players dream of," said Xu, who finished second at the qualifier at Beijing CBD International Golf Club last week.

Li, from Hainan Island, is looking forward to the experience, saying it was an honour to qualify for the 12th edition of the Volvo China Open.

"I'm happy being an amateur golfer and don't have ambitions yet to turn pro. I play the game because I really enjoy it," said Li.

Mel Pyatt, Volvo Event Management President and CEO, is hoping the two budding amateurs will rise to the occasion and play in all four rounds this week. "It is tremendous that we will be welcoming two Chinese amateurs into the elite field.

"When we introduced the qualifiers last year, our long term strategy and aim was to develop golf in China and encourage aspiring Chinese players to qualify for China's flagship golf championship and we are absolutely thrilled that Li and Xu have made it through," said Pyatt.

Other qualifiers include Chinese Taipei's experienced players such as Lai Hong-lin, runner-up in the inaugural Volvo China Open in 1995, and former Taiwan Open champion Tsai Chi-huang. Lai topped the qualifiers at the Beijing CBD International while Tsai earned medal honours at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.Another Chinese Taipei veteran Lin Chie-hsiang won the qualifier at Dongguan Harbour Plaza Golf Club.

(China Daily April 12, 2006)