Li Haotong is expecting one of the toughest challenges of his career when he defends his Volvo China Open title at Topwin Golf and Country Club this week.
The local favourite burst onto the scene 12 months ago, taking the crown in just his 20th European Tour event, and went on to finish second at the Turkish Airlines Open in the Final Series.
The pressure of defending a European Tour title and the hopes of a nation will now be on him this week, but the affable 21 year old is looking to take it all in his stride.
"I know it’s always tough to play as a defending champion so I'll just try to enjoy myself and play my best," he said.
Li made just two bogeys all week last year in posting a 22 under par total and remarkably birdied the seventh, eighth and 11th holes every day.
He clearly feels at home on the Beijing layout and is delighted to be back with a clear game-plan.
"I am glad to be back and ready to play again," he said.
"I think you need to hit a lot of tee-shots, like on the seventh hole, no one goes for the green but I go for the green every day, I made four birdies here and I think it’s the most important point."
Li's victory last season laid the foundations for a first in Chinese golf, with Ashun Wu's win at the Lyoness Open powered by Sporthilfe Cashback Card meaning the country recorded multiple wins in a European Tour season for the first time.
I know it’s always tough to play as a defending champion so I'll just try to enjoy myself and play my best - Li Haotong
Wu's triumph also made him the first Chinese player to claim multiple wins after his victory at this event in 2015, and he would love to see more home glory.
"I’m excited to come back this week and play in the Volvo China Open," said Wu.
"It would be nice to have another Chinese winner. I think the Chinese players are ready and we can win again. It doesn’t matter which one, just to keep the trophy in China.
"It’s a great golf course, I like it a lot. The conditions are perfect and the weather looks good this week, so I hope everybody enjoys this week. I feel better than last week and ready to play."
