LU AIMS ENTRY INTO FOLKLORE AT MERCURIES TAIWAN MASTERS

Taipei, September 30: Defending champion Lu Wen-teh heads into this week's Mercuries Taiwan Masters knowing that another win at the US$500,000 event will etch his name in Chinese Taipei's golf folklore.

The 46-year-old veteran enjoyed a memorable home triumph when he lifted a record fourth Mercuries Taiwan Masters last year and securing another win this week will extend his record of being the leading all-time winner.

Lu will make a return to his home course at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club hoping that his familiarity with the Tamsui course will help him notch his first win on the Asian Tour this season.

"I've always enjoyed a good track record at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club. This course has been my home course since my childhood days and I like playing here as it suits my game," said Lu, a five-time Asian Tour winner.

While his younger contenders may have an edge over him in terms of age, the evergreen Lu believes that like wine, his wealth of experience will put him in good stead and that his performance can only get better with with each passing year.

"I've been a professional golfer for more than 20 years and I still have the same drive and mental approach. I'm able to handle pressure at the highest level and I believe this week's event will not be any different," said Lu.

"I also put in my best for every event that I play in, which is also why I believe I've been in the winner's circle all these years," added Lu.

As veteran Lu continues his pursuit for more trophies and records in his professional career that spans over two decades, Australia's Matthew Griffin who is starting his professional career as a rookie on the Asian Tour is hoping that he can enjoy some early success too.

"It's good to know that I've been playing well in Macau and also in Japan last week. I'm looking forward to another solid week again," said the 26-year-old Australian who finished tied-third and 26th at the Macau Open and Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open respectively.

"It has been a pretty good learning experience on the Tour, bit of a slow start but I did play some really good golf in the second half so I'm looking forward to some good results," added the top ranked amateur in Australia before he turned professional on the Asian Tour.

India's Gaurev Ghei, who won the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in 2006, will be eager to turn his lackluster season around after having missed the cut in his last three events.

"It's always exciting to come here and see what changes they have made to the golf course. I've been struggling a bit with my game and I'm hoping to get things sorted out. Hopefully I can hole a few putts over the next few days and try to get into contention," said the three-time Asian Tour winner.

Meanwhile American Bryan Saltus who survived a H1N1 scare in Macau is also relishing another title prospect at this popular event that was inaugurated in 1987.

"I'm on the verge of greatness. There have been so many little things bothering me lately, my head, my clubs and my luck. I think with my experience here, I should have a good week and I've been waiting for a good week for a while now," said the American whose sole win on the Asian Tour was at the 2007 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open.

"I had a temperature and I was like I better go get a check-up done so that I can bring my fever down. When the ambulance came, I felt like I was an E.T from the movie. They had all these space gear and they were all very worried about me. Thank God I only had a common cough," added the colourful American.