The Volvo China Open has been rescheduled to November in the wake of the SARS crisis. The Open golf championship of China will now take place from November 13-16 at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club. It was scheduled for September 4-7 but organisers, Richtone Worldwide, and the China Golf Association have decided to delay the tournament because of the disruption caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak.

‘Holding to our original date at the beginning of September looked impossible and the easy option would have been to cancel and come back next year. But this is China’s ultimate in professional golf, its Open Championship, and there is no way that we, or Volvo, would even consider passing up the slightest opportunity to hold it this year,’ said Alistair Polson, executive director of Richtone, ‘The Volvo China Open has to set the standard – others take their cue from the Open. So we are committed to holding the Open.’

The showpiece, which will again be worth US$500,000, is the only event remaining on the Chinese mainland on this year’s revised Asian PGA Tour schedule.

‘Clearly, SARS has had a serious effect on the continent in general and on the golf circuit in particular, but loyalty is a key component of Volvo’s long-term relationship with our golf partners, and we are delighted that we are able to proceed, albeit at a later date,’ said Mel Pyatt, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Event Management.

Former world junior champion, David Gleeson is a certainty to defend his crown regardless of the change of date. Last year’s win was his biggest to date. After a glittering amateur career, Gleeson spent five years struggling to break through in the professional ranks. As an young amateur, he seemed destined for greatness alongside the likes of Adam Scott and Aaron Baddeley but his prodigious talent has earned him only this one big victory so far.

Chinese hero Zhang Lianwei also pledged his commitment as he searches for a first national open victory. He finished fifth last year.

This will be the fifth year in succession that the Volvo China Open will be played over the Shanghai Silport Golf Club. ‘The pros like the course a lot particularly the putting surfaces,’ said Polson, ‘Two years ago the players voted Silport the best venue on the Asian PGA Tour.’

Further information can be obtained from M/s Wu Rong of Volvo China Open
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