Woods aiming to finish on a Shang-hai

TIGER WOODS, in Shanghai this week for the HSBC Champions tournament, considers travelling the world to be "one of the perks of professional golf."

But the £2.7m event provides further proof that not every star shares that view. The world's top 50 as at September 12 were all eligible to play, but only 15 have made the trip and Woods is the only American.

"With the travel comes certain challenges, but you also get the chance to sample the passion for golf in other parts of the world," Woods said.

Woods and Vijay Singh are the big catches for the sponsors and add real glitter to what is not only the richest golf tournament ever staged in Asia, but also the opening leg of the new European Tour season.

Colin Montgomerie, winner of an eighth Order of Merit title two weeks ago, Volvo Masters champion Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and David Howell head the European challenge for a first prize of over £475,000 - and the equivalent number of Ryder Cup points.

Woods, who's believed to be receiving a fee in excess of £1.2m this week, went straight from his arrival to a clinic at the Sheshan International club, then played nine practice holes.

His busy day also included a city centre press conference and a publicity stunt when he hit balls out into the 580-yard wide Huang Pu river.

"I am really excited to come to China. I like the concept of crowning the Champion of Champions from the major tours and certainly hope I can top off my year by winning the title."

He has, of course, already captured the Masters and Open in 2005, plus two more world championships and the American money list title for the sixth time.

"There's a real buzz about golf in China and that is only going to grow as the game's popularity increases," he added.