Ross Fisher has cause for optimism heading into this week’s WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, with both form and recent tournament history on his side.
A runner-up nine years ago, Fisher finished third at Sheshan International Golf Course last year and comes into this year’s tournament after recording second-place finishes in two of his last three European Tour events – the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Porsche European Open.
With a top class field gathered in China, including eight of the top ten players on the Official World Golf Ranking, Fisher is has plenty of momentum as he heads into the 2016 season’s final World Golf Championship event.
“I feel comfortable here and have played well in the past,” said the former Ryder Cup player. “I lost a play-off in 2007 alongside Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood when I had a one shot lead going in to the last hole and unfortunately didn’t manage to close it out.
“Obviously I came back last year and finished third behind Russell Knox. I played with him on the first two days and he was fantastic. It was a nice positive week to kick-start what was the final series last year, and hopefully that continues this year.”
While the Englishman has enjoyed some strong performances in China over the past decade, he has also witnessed the growth in the game in the country during that time.
Fisher said: “My first tournament in China was back in November 2005 at the Volvo China Open and seeing how much golf has come on, and how popular it is now over here, has been fascinating. It’s been great to see some of the best players in the world playing in China in recent years.
“I was very fortunate to play with Haotong Li in the final round here last year and he has gone on to win his first European Tour title this season, so that has obviously been a positive for the growth of golf in China. It’s always a good experience and hopefully we’ll get some good crowds this week.”
Bernd Wiesberger is also arriving in Shanghai in a rich vein of form, after recording top ten finishes in his last four European Tour events, including second place at both the British Masters supported by Sky Sports and the KLM Open.
The Austrian is also looking forward to getting out on the course in Shanghai, and admits that he has had one eye on the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in recent weeks.
Wiesberger said: “It was a goal of mine over the last couple of weeks to get myself in to this tournament. I’ve played well in the last few European Tour events and I’ve been up there in the last couple of groups on a Sunday, so I’m feeling good.
“I need to keep my momentum going on and around the greens but I feel like I’m hitting the ball nicely enough to make a couple of birdies.
“I enjoy this course. It feels like it suits my eye off the tee and you can take advantage of a couple of those par fives out there if you hit good tee shots. I played well here last year so I’m looking forward to this week.”
