Chinese teen sensation Guan to star in Hong Kong Open

Hong Kong - Chinese golf prodigy Guan Tianlang will star in December's Hong Kong Open, organisers announced Tuesday, just weeks after he celebrated his 15th birthday.

The Guangzhou schoolboy sent shockwaves through the sport at the US Masters in April when, aged just 14 years, five months and 18 days, he became the youngest golfer to make the cut at a major tournament.

He will return to the world stage at the beginning of December at the Hong Kong Golf Club, where Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez will defend his title.

"This year has just been an incredible journey for me. Making the cut at the Masters was a very special achievement for me and I hope to be able to produce a similar performance at the Hong Kong Golf Club in December," Guan said.

"When you get the opportunity to play against world class players you cannot refuse because it is the best environment to learn and gain experience."

Before he tees off at the US$1.3 million tournament, the teenager will take part in a special golf skills clinic Wednesday, where he will meet children from four local schools.

Hong Kong golfer Jason Hak will join Guan in the tournament. In November 2008, aged 14, Hak made history as the youngest player to make the cut in a European Tour event at the Hong Kong Open.

Guan will be hoping to make up for failing to defend his title at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships in October, where South Korea's Lee Chang-Woo, 19, claimed victory and a place in the US Masters.