Among the honored guests in the field were Xia Xing Hua, director of China Aviation southeast administration, James Chang, China Airlines finance and administration senior vice president and representatives of Taiwanese businessmen associations in China.

FB Chang, China Airlines’ general manager Shanghai, called golf an ideal venue to bring together its many customers and to foster closer relationships.

“Golf is something many Taiwanese are fond of. These people are heads of Taiwanese companies on the mainland and who are our frequent travelers. This tournament is just a way for us to show our appreciation for their patronage and a way to try and make them feel at home,’’ he said.

Chang, an 18 handicap who plays out of Silport, said China Airlines had a keen interest in the huge Chinese market. He added the company was hoping that direct flights from Taiwan to the mainland would be available shortly.

During the recent Spring Festival, the airline made history when a group of travelers flew from Taipei to Shanghai via Hong Kong, the company’s first scheduled flight to the mainland.

Chang said the past year had been a good one for China Airlines despite the troubles experienced by the global airline industry as a whole.

“We are doing pretty well. Last year we recorded NT31 billion (about RMB 76.1 million) in profit. This year will be a challenge with the rising price of oil, the SARS (flu-virus) scare and the war. But we remain optimistic for the market, especially the Chinese market.’’

Lan Tan-cheng and Wu Peng were the big winners on the day when they captured the low gross and low nett titles respectively at the tournament played on Silport’s West and Center layouts.

Lan, a 1.2 handicap, shot a sparkling 4-over-par 76 for the low round on the day. For his impressive performance, the Taiwan native received a trophy and a return business-class ticket anywhere China Airlines flies.

Wu, a 13.2 handicap who works for China Ping’an Insurance, shot a 10-over-par 82 for a nett 68.8. He also wins a trophy and a return business-class ticket.

The two long-drive winners were Zhang Cong Huo, deputy general manager of Mei Ko Long Metallic Products, and Li Jie of the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

Simon Chu and Thomas Hu made it a double win for their company China Strategic Holdings Greater China as the pair captured the two nearest-the pin contests.

Other prizes included seven lucky draw winners. Each won a return air ticket from Taipei to Hong Kong via China Airlines.

Shanghai Silport Golf Club has hosted the Volvo China Open the past four years. The club, located in Kun Shan, Jiang Su, will again host the country’s national Open this year, September 4-7.