The BMW Asian Open, one of Asia's leading pro-golf events, will extend its run in Shanghai through 2008, sponsors announced last week.

"BMW is delighted to extend its strong engagement in golf here in China, one of our most important markets worldwide, by hosting the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai for 2007 and 2008," said Jochen Goller, vice president of marketing for BMW Group in the China region.

To compete with other golf tournaments in the increasingly lucrative region, the BMW Asian Open will increase its prize money to $2.3 million this year from $1.8 million in 2006 to lure more top players. BMW will also continue to waive entrance fees.

South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, both in the world top five, will contest the tournament with Colin Montgomerie and other stars from April 19 to 22 at the 7,340-yard Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

Tiger Woods, who has played in the city at the HSBC Champions for the last two years, is one of the few prized names on the missing list.

Local favorites Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong have also confirmed their places in the tournament.

"All the top Chinese players appreciate this opportunity to demonstrate our skills and compete against the world's best players in front of our home galleries," said Zhang.

(China Daily February 12, 2007)