China's Zhang Lianwei's title ambitions will be put to test when he faces a plethora of youth talent that is poised to make the 1.3 million US dollar Hong Kong Open an intriguing affair when it tees off on Thursday.

In what promises to be a classic battle between youth and experience, the Hong Kong Open is well set to ignite golf fervour with its line-up of veterans such as Zhang, defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez and youngsters that include teen sensation Guan Tianlang, and local hopeful Hak Shun-Yat at the Hong Kong Golf Club this week.

A five-time winner on the Asian Tour, Zhang has long been credited for putting China golf on the world map with his success on the region's premier Tour. The 48-year-old Zhang will be looking to land that prized title this week.

"The fact that I'm here shows how much I want to win the Hong Kong Open. I'm chasing after this title and I really want to add the Hong Kong Open to my winning record," said Zhang, who finished tied 15th last year after opening with two excellent rounds.

Although he is wary of the abundant of youth and talent on show this week, Zhang is proud of how the game has developed and welcomes the challenge.

"Much of my time nowadays is spent developing junior programmes around China and nurturing local talents. I am glad the Hong Kong Open is another one of those numerous platforms which gives aspiring and talented young players the chance to compete at the highest level," said Zhang.

Having earned the distinction of being the first Chinese to win a co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event in Singapore in 2003, Zhang is also looking forward to renewing his rivalry with players from Europe this week.

"It's a strong field and hopefully Jimenez can have an off week and give others a chance," laughed Zhang.

Jimenez, who was recently named as the playing captain for Team Europe at next year's EurAsia Cup, has promised to put up a stout defence of his Hong Kong Open title which he won in record fashion 12 months ago.

The 49-year-old Spaniard icon became the second oldest winner on the Asian Tour and oldest on the European Tour when he claimed his Hong Kong Open hat-trick last year. This week, he is ready to defy father time yet again at the storied championship which is celebrating its 55th anniversary.

"You win a tournament when you play every hole shot-by-shot and then attack them one-by-one. Hopefully at the end of the week, you have a score that is lower than the rest. I think a win is always tough. You need to always give 100 percent and I plan to do that this week," said Jimenez.

Meanwhile Guan will be hoping to capture the imagination of golf fans worldwide like what he did in April with his debut appearance at the Hong Kong Open. The 15-year-old inked his place in the history books when he became the youngest player to make the cut in a Major Championship at the Masters this year and will be eager to serve more notice of his precocious talent at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

"I'm going to enjoy the week and shoot some low scores. I don't feel the pressure at all as I'm still doing the things that I've been doing and I feel comfortable," said Guan.

"There're lots of great players this week and the field is pretty good. I've not set any targets for myself but if I can put four good rounds together, I'll be happy," said Guan.

Hak will be hoping to continue his good form following his creditable performance with the Hong Kong men's team where they claimed a silver medal at the China's National Games in September.

The 19-year-old turned professional recently and will be making his fourth appearance at the Hong Kong Open after three impressive appearances as an amateur where he made the cut in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

"I've just been a professional for a couple of months and I'm finding life as a professional golfer to be very interesting. It's always my pleasure to be back here as the Hong Kong Open has always been my favourite tournament. There's still a lot to learn and I want to gain as much experience and enjoy my young professional life," said Hak.