Little-known Shang Lei and Wu Ashun may not be regularly hitting fairways and greens on the Asian Tour yet, but the Chinese rookies are determined to emulate the success of Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong.
Shang and Wu have endured a baptism of fire in their quest for glory across the region since earning their playing rights through the grueling Qualifying School in Malaysia last December.
While delighted that they are finally rubbing shoulders with Asia's best, their playing records are hardly impressive - the 26-year-old Shang has missed the cut in each of his seven appearances while Wu has enjoyed a slightly better record with a joint 36th finish and three missed cuts.
Despite their lack of early success, the duo is determined to climb to new heights in their quest to emulate Zhang, the pioneer of Chinese golf who has five Asian Tour wins, and Liang, who is the Asian Tour's reigning No 1.
"I was really happy to make it through Qualifying School. There were so many good players there and it was quite a challenge. But now that I've made it through, I am looking forward to greater exposure outside of China," said Shang.
The Chinese youngsters finished in the top 40 of the Asian Tour's Qualifying School, with Shang coming in a creditable fourth while Wu placed tied for 24th.
Shang's golfing journey began on the amateur trail when he was 16 and he joined a golf school to learn the intricacies of the game. Not only did Shang have an opportunity to hone his swing, he also picked up the vital ingredients of a champion - a good work ethic and a strict training regime.
After turning professional in 2003, he competed on the local circuit for five years, winning twice before deciding to try his hand at the Asian Tour Qualifying School.
