Hong Kong, Dec 03: Ireland's Padraig Harrington will make his debut at the 700,000 dollars Hong Kong Open which begins tomorrow, the first event of the 2004 European PGA tour.
The world number 10, the highest-ranked player in a strong field assembled for a tournament jointly sanctioned by the Asian PGA tour, will be hoping to start the new season the same way he began the 2003 campaign.
Twelve months ago Harrington won the European tour season-opener in Taiwan, the Asian Open.
''I have never actually played in Hong Kong and that is one of the reasons why I have come here,'' Harrington, 32, told reporters today. ''I have always looked to play golf around the world and in new countries.
''It is a strong field taking part but I will be minding my own game and hoping to be in a position to win on the final day,'' added the Irishman who has won seven times in Europe, including twice last season when he finished third on the money list.


Bureau Report