(Mike Jansen, 23 June 2011, Hong Kong)

Organisers of the UBS Hong Kong Open scored a massive coup last year when they managed to clinch US Open champion Rory McIlroy‘s signature for two years (starting last year).

At the time the Irishman’s appearance fee was a fraction of what he can demand after winning his first-ever major at The Congressional this past weekend.  Reports are that McIlroy can now bank on an appearance fee of at least US$1 million.

McIlroy (pictured by Getty Images below) has played the UBS Hong Kong Open on 3 ocassions, but has not won in the Territory yet.  His closest shot at the title came in 2008 when he was involved in a dramatic tie with eventual winner, Taiwan’s Lin Wen Tang. (Watch the YouTube video below)

I was fortunate to share some time with the youngster at the Happy Valley Race Course ahead of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open.  On the night, McIlroy tried his hand at the (horse) races and, while it’s not known whether he won anything, he did have a great time in the City.  Last year there were no minders, bodyguards or other appendages super stars come with these days. It will be interesting to see if anything has changed following his first Major win.

The 2008 Hong Kong Open

Molinari, McIlroy and Lin play-off. I haven’t been to too many big tournaments, let alone a 3-way play-off, but I am happy to say that I was standing right behind Lin Wen Tang when he played THAT amazing shot (2:15 into the video clip)!  The best player on the day eventually was crowned UBS Hong Kong Open Champion.

Take a bow Lin Wen Tang. 谢谢 !

Past winners since 2001 are:

2001 Jose Maria Olazabal (ESP)

2002 Fredrik Jacobson (SWE)

2003 Padraig Harrington (IRE)

2004 Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP)

2005 Colin Montgomerie (SCT)

2006 Jose Manuel Lara (ESP)

2007 Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP)

2008 Lin Wen Tang (TPE)

2009 Gregory Bourdy (FR)

2010 Ian Poulter (ENG)

UBS has been a proud sponsor of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) National team since 1996 and, in 2005, extended its support to encompass all HKRFU national teams including Women’s and Youth teams.

On Monday the company launched its annual Spirit of the Dragon rugby roadshow. 

The campaign seeks to rally community support for Hong Kong’s national rugby teams in advance of their forthcoming competitions. In excess of 5,000 people are expected to visit the roadshow over the next two weeks.

Occupying around 9,500 square feet, roadshows have taken in the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (Monday 14 March until Wednesday 16 March) and continues at Chater Garden in Central from today (Thursday 17 March) until Friday 25 March.

“UBS is delighted to continue its long-standing support for Hong Kong’s national teams. This year’s campaign aims to spread the excitement of rugby throughout the local community with an emphasis on schools and community organizations including the Hong Kong Special Olympics and the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education Services,” said Allen Lo, Country Head and CEO of UBS AG in Hong Kong.

“Our ultimate goal is to galvanise the support of six million fans across Hong Kong for our national teams,” he added.

Kids having fun at the Spirit of the Dragon Roadshow in Tsim Sha Tsui

Fun Activities

The Spirit of the Dragon roadshow comprises a variety of rugby-themed activities, including six outsized UBS rugby inflatables that provide participants with the opportunity to put rugby skills, from passing and kicking goals all the way to running for the try line, to the test.

Video Messages

Visitors will be given the opportunity to record a special video message of support to the Hong Kong teams in advance of the Hong Kong Sevens and Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens later this month.

Signed Rugby Balls

UBS rugby balls available for signing by students, roadshow visitors, athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics, and UBS employees will be presented to the final men’s and women’s Hong Kong Sevens squads when the final teams are announced on Saturday 19 March.

Hong Kong’s Rowan Varty and Keith Robinson with a fan at the Roadshow in TST

Rugby 101 Sessions

As part of its community outreach initiative, UBS is inviting local schools for hour-long rugby 101 sessions moderated by HKRFU National Team players including Sevens stars Keith Robertson, Rowan Varty, Salom Yiu Kam Shing, Simon Leung, Kenneth Hsieh and Anthony and Ed Haynes.

It is expected that in excess of 200 students from the participating schools which include Kwun Tong Government School, Ng Yuk Secondary School, De La Salle Secondary, Beacon Hill School, Australian International School, Kowloon Junior School and West Island School, will take part in the programme.

Learning English Through Rugby

In a separate initiative on 18 March, 35 students from UBS community affair partner the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education (CECES) will be participate in a sports educational session that emphasizes learning English through rugby.

The activity follows hard on the heels of the joint UBS – HKRFU rugby fitness activity hosted for 50 members of the Hong Kong Special Olympics national teams at King’s Park earlier this month.

Everyone is welcome to visit the roadshow which is open from 11.00 until to 18.00 on weekdays only to show their support for Hong Kong rugby.

I attended a very special rugby event at Ho Man Tin’s King’s Park earlier today.

Joint sponsors UBS brought together members of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) National Teams and about 40 athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics (HKSO) National Teams for a unique rugby clinic.

The clinic also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee.

Athletes from both Unions presented a special edition Hong Kong National Rugby Jersey to Karl Kwok, Vice President of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee (HKSF&OC).

Also in attendance were David Boyd-Thomas, Regional Head of Community Affairs in Asia Pacific at UBS; David Ip, President of Hong Kong Special Olympics; and Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.

“UBS is pleased to again bring together two of our long-standing partners in the Hong Kong Special Olympics and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. That we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee only adds to the occasion.”

“I am particularly struck by the warmth and camaraderie displayed today. Not only were the basics of rugby introduced to the athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics but something of the spirit of the game was communicated as well,” added Mr Boyd-Thomas.

This year, UBS has deepened its commitment to Hong Kong Rugby’s National Teams with a sponsorship campaign designed to rally community support for the teams over a series of competitions including the Hong Kong Sevens and Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens later this month.

The ‘Spirit of the Dragon’ campaign evokes the symbolism of the dragon crest which has had pride of place on the HKRFU national team jersey since 1952.

Today’s programme was one of several activities scheduled for the coming weeks including the UBS Spirit of the Dragon Roadshow which will take place in Kowloon at the Cultural Centre (March 14 – 16) and in Chater Garden (March 17 – 18 & 21 – 25). Other events will focus on local and international schools in Hong Kong, as well as UBS Community Partners like the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood and Education Services.

Trevor Gregory commented: “Our involvement with the Hong Kong Special Olympics is as rewarding for our players and coaches as it is for these inspirational athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics.

“I am convinced that the strong performance of all of our national teams has been greatly enhanced by the support of our national team sponsor, UBS”.

During the clinic, the athletes from the Special Olympics Team had a lot of fun throwing the ball around with the rugby players.  After all the on-pitch activities, they then retired to the Kings Park Club-House where they collected autographs from the National Rugby Team players.  Finally, thoroughly drained, they then sat down for lunch where the in-house caterers laid on a great spread.

The HKRFU has also extended a special invitation to the 40 athletes from the Hong Kong Special Olympics to experience the excitement of rugby on the Friday evening of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens (March 25 – 27) at the Hong Kong Stadium. In an effort to share the spirit of the event with local audiences, over 6,000 representatives from local schools and community groups are entertained on the Friday evening of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Here are some images I captured today:

(I am busy going through my iPhone after this past weekend’s UBS Hong Kong and I’m discovering a lot of footage and pics not used so far.

Expect some more posts on this past weekend’s golf.)

The Hong Kong media and the bizarre questions asked at pressies…

I have attended my fair share of press conferences and media events covering sports events over the past 3 years.

I don’t know if it’s a cultural clash or maybe a language issue, but the Hong Kong media never fails to astound with the questions asked, in the main to visiting sportsmen and women.

I remember hearing a staffer with the (co-sanctioning body) European Tour commenting after the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open Media Launch: “Well, that was interesting!”

And it always is.

I had my iPhone at the Champion’s press conference after the UBS Hong Kong Open and caught this short interaction:

Cheers to Ian Poulter, winner of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open for his straight-faced response!

(Sheung Shui, Hon Kong 11:15 local time)

It’s a beautifully sunny final day here in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong and play is well underway for the final round of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open.

The first players (Ian Steel and David Gleeson) teed off at 07:55 this morning.

South Africa’s sole representative in the final round, Jbe Kruger (pictured below) will be on the first tee with Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti at 11:55 local time and we’ll try and bring you some (iPhone) footage of his first shot.

Check back here regularly for updates on the day’s play and other news.

(Sheung Shui, Hong Kong, 1pm local time)

Jbe Kruger teed off just over an hour ago and couldn’t have asked for a poorer start on the final day of the UBS Hong Kong Open.

His first tee shot hit the edge of the first bunker causing Kruger to card a double-bogey on the first hole of his day.

So far he’s made up for the nightmare start with birdies on the 2nd and 4th, returning him to where he started the day, on 10-under.

(Sheung Shui, Hong Kong 15:45 local time)

South Africa’s Jbe Kruger finished his final round of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open with a disappointing -6 par after finishing the 18th hole as he started the day, with a double-bogey on the 18th.

Carding a round of 74, Kruger finished his tournament 6 under par (274) while his playing partner, Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti finished with a more credible -10 (270).

At the time of writing, Englishman Ian Poulter is topping the leaderboard with -23.

Snapping at Poulter’s heels are Italy’s Matteo Manassero (-21) and England’s Simon Dyson (-21). Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is a distant -17 behind.

(Sheung Shui, Hong Kong 4:25pm local time)

Rory McIlroy’s challenge for a first-ever UBS Hong Kong Open just ended when he finished the tournament at -18, carding a 4th round of 67.

It certainly seems as if England’s Ian Poulter will be crowned the Champion as he’s currently leading at -23 with 2 holes to go.

(Sheung Shui, Hong Kong 5:30pm local time)

Ian Poulter was crowned as Champion of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open in front of a packed gallery on the 18th hole at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui.

A more detailed report will follow later…

Ian Poulter finished in stunning style to double his lead at the UBS Hong Kong Open, but the Englishman still has plenty of work to do to secure a tenth European Tour title.

After embarking on a birdie blitz round the Fanling course on Friday in a career-best 60, Poulter found chances a little harder to come by as he recorded a six under par 64 to sit 19 under.

The Ryder Cup star, who has yet to make a bogey over the Hong Kong Golf Club, picked up shots on the second and 13th, as well as an eagle three on the par five third.

But it was his birdie-birdie finish, with putts of 12 feet on the penultimate hole and 18 feet at the last that put the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play winner two clear of Graeme McDowell.

Poulter’s compatriot Simon Dyson produced a tidy round of 65 to sit third on 16 under, one ahead of Rory McIlroy and Anthony Kang.

The tournament is shaping up for a thrilling finale with McDowell – bidding for a good finish to eat into Martin Kaymer’s Race to Dubai lead -making his move.

The US Open Championship winner climbed the leaderboard with a strong run coming home as the Northern Irishman shot an impressive 63 to go second on 17 under.

He had an eagle on the 367 yard par four tenth before collecting three successive birdies from the 13th.

Poulter is certainly relishing the opportunity to go head-to-head with his Ryder Cup team-mate.

He said: “It’s going to be good fun. Graeme and I had lunch earlier in the week, actually, Tuesday it was, and we was having a little bit of banter in the pub, and I told Graeme I was going to win this week.

“And then Rory walked in and they had a bit of banter between those two, because Graeme had just gone a place in front of Rory in the World Rankings, so there’s been some banter between those two and obviously me telling Graeme.

“So it’s going to be a great day tomorrow, I’m looking forward to it. We had some fun certainly over the last few weeks. You know, Graeme’s in good form, I’m in good form, Rory is playing well, Simon Dyson is up there, so this golf course is going to give up a low score tomorrow. So it should be good fun.”

Ian Poulter in action during the third round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

McDowell is doing his best to focus purely on the UBS Hong Kong Open before he makes his final push to overtake Kaymer in The Race to Dubai.

“Tomorrow is a hugely important day for me, but I’m really looking at the next eight days as hugely important for me,” said McDowell.

“I’m not under any extra pressure because next week is such a big purse that you know, if Martin Kaymer goes and wins next week, it’s all over, anyway. I may as well go out and relax and play my golf tomorrow. I’m really feeling under control of my emotions.

“I’m not thinking about The Race to Dubai when I’m out there. I’m out there thinking about the UBS Hong Kong Open and I am enjoying it out there and enjoying my game. I’m having fun doing it, which is what I set out to do.”

Staying in the hunt.  Graeme McDowell during his 3rd round in Hong Kong (Pic: Getty Images)

(Friday, 19 November 2010, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong)

On a day when Hong Kong experienced earthquake tremors measuring 2.8 on the Richter Scale, Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter produced an earth-shattering second round 60 at the UBS Hong Kong Open to take a one stroke lead into the weekend.

The Englishman was in irresistible form as he conjured ten birdies en route to the 13 under par lead. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy, who was neck-and-neck with his Ryder Cup team-mate until a three-shot swing on the 18th hole, the dynamic duo treated the Fanling crowds to a golfing masterclass as they ripped it round the Hong Kong Golf Club.

McIlroy was one stroke ahead of Poulter on the 18th tee, but while McIlroy’s finish was a damp squib, making a double bogey six after finding the water, Poulter produced a sparkling birdie to post a 60 and take a one-shot lead over Anthony Kang.

McIlroy, who holed his seven iron approach for an eagle two on the ninth hole, is joined in a tie for third place on 11 under with former UBS Open champion Simon Dyson, while Race to Dubai contender Graeme McDowell finished the day on ten under alongside teen sensation Matteo Manassero, Jeev Milkha Singh, Anders Hansen and Thongchai Jaidee.

Rory McIlroy in action during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

But the day belonged to the imperious Poulter who was actually slightly disappointed after his round as he knew he will rarely have a better chance to shoot golf’s magic number of 59 no matter how much longer he plays the game.

“I do have mixed emotions,” admitted the World Number 14. “It’s one of those golf courses if you get off to a decent start, you feel as if you can shoot a low number and five under on the front nine was a great score.

“I had five birdies in a row from the 7th and then as soon as that happened, I kind of felt there’s plenty of chances coming for the 59. It was on alright. I mean, I hit a great putt at 17. I really wouldn’t have had it back again I thought it was in all the way but then a foot from the hole it stayed right on the grain. So I am happy, but slightly disappointed.

“Rory and I had a great battle today – the birdies around the middle of the course were good. Rory coming down the middle of 9 holes a 7 iron, which I thought was pretty cheeky, great shot that it was. And I managed to roll a 30 foot putt in on top of him which was nice.

“He then holes a nice 15 footer on the next and I kind of roll it in from three feet and then I hit it stiff on 11. So it was a good match. I knew he was going to play well today and I knew I had to go out there and shoot a low score obviously to stay in touch. I’m sure he’s a little disappointed to finish like that, but Rory is playing well and it’s going to be an exciting weekend.

“I did feel the earth move today – on the 14th tee. I wondered what it was as I was just about to put my ball on the tee peg and I did feel a little tremor.”

Ian Poulter in action during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

(Mike Jansen, Hong Kong 18 November 2010)

I cover quite a number of sports events in Hong Kong on behalf of Howzit-HongKong.com and BlitzBokke.com and obviously I have my favourites.

I have never been good at golf, but the Hong Kong Open in November must rank right up there with my personal favourite, the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

Funnily enough, not for athletic reasons at all.  To those who know me, no… it’s not because of the free Nespresso booth, sandwich bar or the well-stocked, well-iced Heineken freezer in the Media Centre.

Having a reason to take the MTR to the New Territories town of Sheung Shui for four days in November every year is bliss.  If you’ve lived in a city like Hong Kong for about four years, you will understand.  Let me give you a simple reason:

I can count on one hand the number of times I have felt grass under my bare feet.

I know what you’re thinking and coming from South Africa, it’s almost ludicrous to think that such a simple experience can be missed so much. But it is.

I attend quite a number of rugby games which makes it even more unbelievable, but this being Hong Kong, you’re either not allowed to touch the rugby turf by over-enthusiastic security guards, or it is not real grass but “astro turf” instead.  Like at the Hong Kong Football Club for the Hong Kong Tens or even at King’s Park where a lot of club games take place.

But again, I digress.

The HK Golf Club in Sheung Shui seen from above

Sheung Shui is located in the furthest part of the northern New Territories, a few minutes away from the Hong Kong/Shenzen border.

It’s a leafy town with roads so wide, Lee Shau Kee and the other Hong Kong ‘property pirates‘ must drool whenever they pass through.

It’s a town with more trees than there are cars. Trees that are, unlike here in the city, unlabeled.

It’s a town where mothers collect their little ones from school by bicycle.

It’s a town where, in the early evening… you can smell the soil, the trees, the freshly-cut grass.

Like I did today, at the conclusion of Day 1 of the UBS Hong Kong Open.

I love Sheung Shui in November.

The sun sets over the Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open teed off at the Hong Kong Golf Club in the New Territories town of Sheung Shui this morning.

The US$2,5 million event is co-sanctioned by the Hong Kong Golf Association, Asian Tour and the European Tour and this year South Africa is again well-represented in the tournament.

The tournament reaches a climax on Sunday and Howzit-HongKong.com will once again bring you all the latest direct from Sheung Shui.

Here are the six South Africans who teed off on day 1:

Charl Schwartzel

Hennie Otto pictured at the Madrid Master (Pic: Getty Images)

Jbe Kruger pictured in Thailand

Keith Horne

Peter Karmis pictured in Johannesburg (Pic: Getty Images)

South Africa’s Thomas Aiken

Some of the world’s leading golfers visited UBS headquarters in Hong Kong this afternoon to help tee off the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open.

The Media Launch was made just that more special by the Chinese Lion Dance Troupe who made sure that the media and players were reminded that this is indeed a Chinese event.

Appearing at today’s press launch were Ryder Cup stars, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, defending Hong Kong Open champion, Grégory Bourdy, PGA Tour star, the very colorful John Daly, and China’s top pro, Liang Wen-Chong.

The world-class field has the potential to make the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open one of the most competitive in the 52-year history of the event.

Any of a number of in-form players is in with a chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday afternoon, not least the plethora of erstwhile Ryder Cup teammates taking part.

McIlroy, McDowell and Poulter were all instrumental in achieving Europe’s momentous win, as was two-time Hong Kong Open champion, Miguel Angel Jimenez, who returns in search of his third Hong Kong title.

Defending champion Gregory Bourdy speaks at the media launch in Hong Kong (Pic: Mike Jansen)

All will be performing under the watchful eyes of their Ryder Cup team captain and vice captain, Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley, respectively – both of whom are also competing at Fanling.

Unfinished business

Rory McIlroy, in particular, will be looking to go one better than his two consecutive runner-up finishes in Hong Kong in 2008 and 2009.

“It’s fair to say that I have some unfinished business in Hong Kong. I won’t rest until I have the UBS Hong Kong Open title in my bag,” said Rory McIlroy before the Ryder Cup.

Standing in his way is US Open Champion, Graeme McDowell (pictured left below)

Buddies off the field, McDowell & McIlroy at today’s media launch (Pic: Mike Jansen)

“I have enjoyed the best season of my career this year. Winning the UBS Hong Kong Open would be the icing on the cake,” said McDowell.

However, needless to say, the player who (literally) stood out during today’s proceeding was the always colorful John Daly who attended the Media Launch with his partner in matching pants; his long, her’s skimpy.

Unfortunately for our readers we didn’t manage to get any pictures of the Missus in her outfit (yet!)

John Daly waits to be interviewed by NowSport (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The UBS Hong Kong Open 2010 takes place in Fanling from Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 November 2010.

Here are some images from today’s Media launch: