Golf Special: 21st Volvo China Open is ready to entertain

The 21st Volvo China Open is being played at the challenging Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club this week and is attracting not just sports fans, but people looking to enjoy a fun day out.

The Volvo China Open is China's true, national open championship and has become one of the most highly regarded tournaments not just in the region, but in the world. For those lucky enough to be in Shanghai, it is an event that has much to offer.

A kung fu display at the official opening ceremony on April 21 kick-started the week and was enjoyed by defending champion Alexander Levy, another Volvo champion, Mikko Ilonen from Finland, as well as two of the host nation's biggest names, Zhang Lianwei and Li Haotong.

Li in particular is one of the game's brightest new stars.

At just 19, he is already the highest-ranked Chinese golfer in the world and came runner-up in Shenzhen last week.

The cosmopolitan field of 156 golfers come from 25 countries and include several proven champions as well as rising stars.

This year, 32 Chinese golfers are in the competition, including 15-year-old Jin Cheng who is playing courtesy of his win in the Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship last autumn.

Before the week's golfing started Levy said: "It is nice to be in China and I really like the course. It's a new one for me, I really enjoy it, it's tough and that's good - and the weather is also perfect. I will play with some great players and it's a big field this week, so it will be a good experience to play for the title."

The golf has started early each morning and lasts all day, with play due to finish at about 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Volvo's cars are being displayed on the course and the public village area offers something for everyone, with competitions, trick shot displays, refreshments and golf lessons.

Another off-course highlight is a display by some of the greatest table tennis stars, Jan-Ove Waldner and Joergen Persson, who have been showing off their skills.

On April 26, the winner of the 21st Volvo China Open will pick up their crystal prize, which was the result of a close collaboration between leading glassware design and manufacturing company Orrefors and Volvo Cars.

The new trophy is called Scandinavian Horizon and will see the championship enter its third decade.

With several past champions on the course and 24-year-old Levy keen to defend his first victory, it will be fascinating to see whether someone finally breaks with tradition to win for a second time, or if one of the talented crop of youngsters steps up to make a breakthrough.

Register for e-tickets on www.volvochinaopen.com, the number of tickets are limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Contact the writers at fujingjing@chinadaily.com.cn and liuke@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/24/2015 page24)