Shanghai: The return engagement of the Faldo Series Asia to Silport showcased the rapid improvements in China’s top amateurs as a field of 60 players, both boys and girls, contested the Shanghai Championship.

With Omega China Tour regular Wu A-Shun on hand to dispense playing tips to the youngsters, Ou Yang-Zheng rebounded from an opening-round 76 under wet conditions over the West and North courses to close with a one-under 71 in sunny weather the following day and the Gross Champion honor. His 36-hole aggregate score was three-over 147.

In the Boys Under-21 division, Hong Wei carded an aggregate 148 to claim the champions honor, three strokes ahead of runner-up Liu Yi Fan (151). In the Girls Under-21, Lin Ye Zhou was the champion after rounds of 85 and 92.

Billy Zhao proved himself a player to watch as he captured the Boys Under-16 crown with rounds of 76 and 79, three strokes better than runner-up Dou Ze Cheng (158). Zhu Xiao Yu was equally strong in taking the Girls Under-16 title with an aggregate 159, five strokes ahead of Yu Xin Yun (164).

The five champions from each division now qualify for the Grand Final to be held at ShenZhen’s Mission Hills Golf Club in March 2010.

The three-year Faldo Series Asia, named after six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, was created by the British great to bring opportunities to young people in the region through golf and to help identify and nurture the next generation of champions.