Ashun Wu gets Macau campaign off to solid start as he looks for a return to his Asian roots

With four DP World Tour titles and two Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) wins to his name, Ashun Wu is a proven international champion.

The Chinese veteran is aiming to add to that tally at International Series Macau presented by Wynn as he looks to expand his playing time on the Asian Tour.

The 39-year-old is playing this week on the regional exemptions category, and despite a dropped shot on the first, he made an encouraging start with seven birdies and three bogeys in total for a four-under 66 to sit just two off the lead.

Wu has been battling an elbow injury in recent times, and as he bids to get back to full fitness, he revealed an ambition to make more appearances on the Asian Tour and The International Series.

The former Volvo China Open champion missed out on his card by one last year after battling with the injury but still has a category on the DP World Tour.

The International Series is known for its pathway onto the LIV Golf League. However this week’s tournament also provides a route to The Open in Royal Portrush, with three qualifying spots available for the fourth major of the year in July.

He said: “I think everybody wants to play these events, these good tournaments, on The International Series and Asian Tour. And I think everybody wants to have a challenge, so it is good to have a lot of big players in the field playing together, so there can be an improvement.

“Yes I would like to play on the Asian Tour. I started on the Asian Tour, and now I have a family and I have children who go to school, so it is harder for me to travel all the time in Europe, sometimes in South Africa, So maybe it is a good time. If I go back to Asia, I think I will be able to spend more time with my family.

“I have won in Japan and on the DP World Tour, but haven't had victory on the Asian Tour, and I definitely want to have that.”