Family affair for Thai Kiradech in China
BEIJING: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat will be looking to win his first tournament on Chinese soil since 2015 and give his family something to cheer about when he competes at the Volvo China Open, which begins tomorrow.
The winner of four European Tour titles, Kiradech last tasted success in China at the Shenzhen International three years ago when he beat local favourite Li Haotong in a play-off.
And with some of his family having hailed from the world’s most populous nation, the world No.32 has an added incentive for winning the RMB20 million (approximately 10 million baht) tournament.
“I’ve won in China before and it’s a special feeling. My great grandfather’s family came from China so winning here means a lot, especially for my dad, so hopefully I can do it again,” he said during a break from the tournament’s launch at the Great Wall yesterday.
“It was a great experience visiting the Great Wall of China today. It’s my first time there and I enjoyed myself a lot,” he said.
As part of the tournament promotion, Kiradech joined China’s Li and Indian rising star Shubhankar Sharma for an impromptu musical lesson on a traditional Chinese zither.
And while his musical talent didn’t quite match up to his sporting ability, the 28 yearold Thai enjoyed the traditional ceremony on the nation’s most recognised landmark.
“I prefer to hit balls rather than play instruments but this has been a great experience for me,” he said, laughing.
“I’ve never had the chance to do it before. Usually I only see the golf course and the hotel so to be able to visit the Great Wall and feel all that history is really exciting.”
He added: “I am now aiming to break into the top 20 in the world rankings. If I can do that, I will buy another two cars!
“I have worked really hard for the last eight months so I took a two-week break after the Masters. I feel refreshed for the week and I am ready for the challenge. I look forward to the week and I will try to play some low scores out there.”
Tri-sanctioned by the China Golf Association, European Tour and Asian Tour, the 24th staging of the China Open, which will be held at Beijing Huairou Topwin Golf and Country Club for a third successive year, has attracted a stellar field.
As well as 2016 champion Li, and Race to Dubai No.2 Sharma and Kiradech, also in the line-up are defending champion Alexander Levy of France, Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, Dutchman Joost Luiten and Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen.
Despite the quality of the field, Kiradech who will play with Li and Levy on the opening two days, is bullish on his chances.
“My game is fantastic right now. Everyone will know that after this week,” he said with a smile.
Other Thais in the field include Thongchai Jaidee, Jazz Janewattananond, Poom Saksansin, Phachara Khongwatmai and Panuphol Pittayarat.