Liang makes the cut at Open

AFP ©

SOUTHPORT, England (AFP) - China's Liang Wen-chong successfully made the halfway cut in his British Open debut on Friday and hoped it would provide the inspiration for others in China to follow in his footsteps.

Liang, the first Chinese to qualify for the tournament, carded an impressive one-over-par 71 at Royal Birkdale where his eight-over-par 148 total saw him move into the weekend rounds at the world's oldest major.

It was his first successful campaign in what was his third major appearance following missed cut outings in the US Masters in April and last year's US PGA Championship.

After a rough opening day where he stumbled to a 77 in blustery conditions, the 29-year-old from Zhongshan overcame an opening double bogey with three birdies and two other bogeys.

"I felt more relaxed today. I made a few birdies out there and it made the whole round more enjoyable. My putting was a lot better after yesterday. My coach Kel Llewellyn simply told me to trust my lines and I did just that," said Liang.

He believes that a strong weekend finish would not only be another feather in his cap but also a catalyst for others to emulate his achievement.

"China golf has only been around for 20 years. Being one of the better players, I want to set an example and open up the vision for future players and let them know of the opportunities to play is out here," said Liang.

"I want to set the goal for them to achieve more success and be a model to them, much like how Zhang Lian-wei was many years ago," said Liang, the first Chinese to win the Asian Tour's Order of Merit title.

A horrendous start left Liang with an uphill battle but he fought back courageously with birdies on the fifth and seventh holes, sandwiching a bogey on the sixth.

"I had so many thoughts in my mind after that poor start. But I reminded myself that I was comfortable with my shot-making and I was still confident of getting through. I was able to handle the early set back," said Liang.

Another bogey on the par three 12th put him back to nine-over for the championship before Liang showed his mettle.

He saved par with an exquisite shot from the greenside bunker on 16 and then drained a 12-footer on 17 for another birdie, clenching his fist after the ball disappeared into the ground.

"I knew the last few holes were critical. The 16th hole was tough as it was the last hole playing into the wind and I was nine-over then. I made a good par save and then birdied the next which was nice," said Liang.