Asia chief proud of progress

Han: delighted by Asia's progress

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Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han insists the staging of this week's WGC-HSBC Champions event shows just how far the region has come on golf's global stage.

The tournament, which gets underway at the Sheshan International Golf Club on Thursday, has this year been granted World Golf Championship status for the first time.

As a result it becomes the first WGC event to be hosted in Asia and will boast a star-studded field that includes the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy.

Han is delighted by the prestige the tournament has generated and believes it is deserved recognition for the strides that have been made in the region.

"Being the first World Golf Championship event to be staged in Asia, it shows the growing trend in golf's market place," he stated.

"The elevation in stature of the HSBC Champions is a wonderful recognition for the game in Asia as we have come a very long way in producing great events and also great champions.

"The opportunity to play against an international field in Shanghai will greatly enhance our players.

"I believe this significant development will have a huge and positive impact for the game here as sponsors now clearly recognise the value of professional golf in Asia and the Asian Tour."

Han added that the increase in prize fund to US$7 million this week was also a positive indication that sponsorship within the game remains healthy despite the difficult economic climate.

"It shows that sponsorship is very healthy despite the challenging times that we've faced with the economy over the past 18 months," he added.

"This will generate a lot of confidence going into 2010 and beyond and it is a very positive development for the golf industry, including the Asian Tour."