Chinese golfers Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong have been appointed by Asian Team captain Yang Y.E. as vice captain and team member for the next edition of the Royal Trophy to be played on 20-22 December 2013 at Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou.

The two legends are widely acclaimed as the most accomplished Chinese golfers in history and both have represented Asia at the Royal Trophy previously: Zhang in the inaugural edition played in Thailand in 2006, and Liang four times, including in the two encounters where the Asian Team triumphed over the Europeans.

"I am thankful to Captain Yang Y.E. for nominating me for this prestigious and very important role in the Asian Team and I am looking forward with great anticipation to working together with him in leading Asia to victory at Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou," said Zhang, winner of over fifteen professional career titles.

"The hosting of the first-ever edition of the Royal Trophy in China is a historic event. I am also certain that the Asian Team will compete with the greatest intensity, dedication and competitive spirit," he added.

The Royal Trophy is played over three days in a team match-play format featuring sixteen foursomes, four-ball and singles matches. Each continent is represented by eight players.

"The next edition of the Royal Trophy will be an unforgettable event. To play for Asia in China is incredible," said Liang, the winner of the OneAsia Tour Order of Merit in 2010.

"This promises to be one of the most important moments of my career and I expect it to be a very emotional time. I am certain that I will enjoy great support from the Chinese fans and this will be very helpful as we confront the Europeans. We have defeated them two times now, including in the latest edition," added the winner of eleven professional career titles.

Liang joins Asia's highest ranked professional golfer, Hideki Matsuyama, and Korean match-play maestro Kim K.T. as the first three players nominated for the Asian Team.

"Zhang and Liang are two outstanding representatives of Chinese athletes. Their participation will attract greater public attendance at the Event and further promote the popularization and development of golf in China," said Zhang Xiaoning, Vice President and Secretary General of the China Golf Association.

"The competition continues to experience monumental growth each year and is on a clear course to fulfill the prediction of the late visionary Seve Ballesteros; that the Royal Trophy would grow into one of the world's greatest sporting competitions," stated Lincoln Venancio, Royal Trophy Co-Managing Director.