Lian Wei Zhang will aim to enter the record books at next month's TCL Classic - by becoming the first Chinese player to win a European Tour title on home turf.
China's Number One - who will face a stiff challenge from a star-studded field that will include compatriot Wen Chong Liang - is relishing the chance to make history.
"I'm really looking forward to the TCL Classic," said Zhang who attended a tournament press conference today in Shenzhen, China.
"I've won before in Shanghai and Macau, but they were solely Asian Tour events. The TCL Classic is co-sanctioned by The European and Asian Tours and is a prestigious tournament.
"It will be tough, because I know there will be a top-class field taking part, but I know I can count on the support of the home fans. I really hope I can give them something to cheer."
Zhang, 40, already has a string of "firsts" to his name: the first mainland Chinese to win a European Tour event (the 2003 Singapore Masters), the first from his country to play in the Masters Tournament at Augusta, and the first to beat world-class players in match play.
But victory in front of his home fans in the TCL Classic, to be played at picturesque Yalong Bay Golf Club in Sanya, Hainan on March 16-19, would surely rank as the highlight of his career.
Liang, considered one of the Asian Tour's rising stars, turned professional after winning the China Amateur Open three times in a row from 1996-98 and finishing joint fourth at the 1999 China Open as an amateur.
He enjoyed a consistent 2005 with three top ten finishes and was a member of the winning Asian team in the Dynasty Cup against Japan.
"I think my performance was quite good last year and I'm feeling refreshed after taking a long break before this season," said Liang.
"The TCL Classic is not only an important event on The European and Asian Tours, it is also vital to Chinese golf because it provides an international platform for Chinese players and helps raise the standard of golf in the country.
"There are many young golfers in China with great potential. I believe if they devote themselves to the game, practice hard and try to learn from experienced international players, then they will have a fantastic future."
The TCL Classic was first played in 2002, when Scottish great Colin Montgomerie edged out Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee for his first title in Asia, and has since become one of the highlights of The European and Asian Tour schedules.
The event - promoted by Parallel Media Asia - is also notable for the fact it made TCL the first Chinese company ever to sponsor a European Tour event.
"We are all looking forward to what promises to be another memorable TCL Classic," said Yuan Xin Cheng, chief executive officer of TCL Corporation.
"TCL is delighted to once again be title sponsor of this prestigious tournament, one of the most important annual sporting events in China.
"We will welcome another top-class field to Yalong Bay next month and we are sure Zhang Lian Wei and Liang Wen Chong will fly the flag proudly for China. More star players will be announced in the buildup to the tournament."
Last year's tournament was, indeed, a "classic", with England's Paul Casey beating Irishman Paul McGinley on the second play-off hole after an epic final-day duel.
The 2005 event was also notable for its 23-strong contingent of Chinese players - a feature that is set to continue this year.
"One of the objectives of the TCL Classic is to provide a platform upon which talented homegrown players can pit their skills against world class golfers," said Zhang Xiao Ning, vice-chairman of the China Golf Association.
"The CGA and TCL have been working together to ensure that, once again, a high number of exemption slots will be made available to local golfers."
The venue for the TCL Classic, Hainan Island, is known as the "Jewel of the South China Sea" due to its tropical weather and natural beauty. The resort city of Sanya is considered the hottest tourist spot in China and a golfer's paradise.
