Xiao eyeing Open glory

China's Xiao Bowen will be looking to impress on home soil when he makes his third appearance at the prestigious Volvo China Open at Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club from April 26-29.

The 28-year-old Xiao, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in 2012, claimed his first professional win in his Asian Tour debut five months ago when he prevailed on the second extra hole in a playoff against Australia's Bryden Macpherson

Xiao will spearhead the local charge alongside past champion Li Haotong, as well as Liang Wenchong and Wu Ashun at the $3.1 million event, tri-sanctioned by the China Golf Association, Asian Tour and the European Tour.

"The Volvo China Open is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournament in China," said Xiao, who hails from Shandong.

"It's a tournament every Chinese player wants to play. It feels different because you get to play alongside some of the top golfers in the world,"

Xiao tied for 17th at the Asian Tour's season-ending event in Indonesia two weeks after his breakthrough victory. Despite missing three cuts in a row this season, he's determined to bank on home comfort as he takes aim at another good showing.

"This course is a good test for every aspect of your game－tee shots, iron play and putting.," he said.

"You need to hit your irons well to get good placement on the greens.

"I'm confident, but I won't set a fixed target for myself; I just want to play my best.

"I will not give myself any pressure to do well, just as I managed to do in Xiamen when I won last year. That helps me to play to my best capability."

India's Shubhankar Sharma and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, who sit first and third respectively on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, will also feature in the storied event.

Also up for the challenge are former Asian Tour Merit champions Gavin Green of Malaysia, Scott Hend of Australia and Thai veteran Thongchai Jaidee, as well as up-andcoming Thai Phachara Khongwatmai and defending champion Alexander Levy of France.