Karlsson to play in Shanghai
by Michelle Fortune, 13 October 2008
Robert Karlsson has been included in the field for the HSBC Champions in Shanghai next month.
Karlsson moved to the top of the European Order of Merit with his win in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and by the time the Shanghai events gets underway the Swede could have secured the title as European number one.
The HSBC Champions marks the start of the inaugural Race to Dubai and as a result a high-quality field is guaranteed with Padraig Harrington and Phil Mickelson also in the mix.
"I am very much looking forward to returning to Shanghai for the HSBC Champions," said Karlsson.
"I didn’t play the last time but enjoyed the whole experience the previous year and I will be aiming to improve on the finish I achieved then.
"Sheshan International Golf Course is always presented in excellent condition and provides a very good test which is what the world’s top players always want, and is part of the reason why the strength of the field which will assemble in China is so strong.
"The other reason, of course, is that sponsors HSBC have developed a much deserved reputation for staging high quality golf tournaments across the world, and I am certain the latest HSBC Champions will be another. Everyone connected with the tournament is to be applauded for that.
“The Race to Dubai is a tremendously exciting development for everyone involved with "The European Tour and European golf as a whole, and something which has made the whole world of golf sit up and take notice,” said Karlsson.
"Obviously, at present, I am leading The 2008 European Tour Order of Merit with this week’s Portugal Masters and the Volvo Masters to come.
"It would be fun if I finished the season as European Number One and became the first Swedish player to achieve that feat. It is not a goal itself for me but I would certainly be very pleased if it happened. Plus, it would be absolutely fantastic to be part of The Race to Dubai as European Number One especially after the golf I have played this year."