Chances high that Asian Open will stay in China - BMW

SHANGHAI, Apr 23 (Reuters) The Asian Open is likely to stay in China next year but not necessarily at the Tomson Pudong Golf Course, sponsors BMW said today.

The German carmaker has backed the event for the last five years, the first two in Taiwan and the last three in Shanghai, but have not confirmed a venue for 2007.

''I cannot promise, but we definitely want to go on in China over the next years,'' Jochen Goller, BMW marketing manager in China, told a news conference at the tournament.

''China is one of the most important markets for BMW and the growth of golf in the country has been incredible. These two factors support the event staying in China.

''The chances are very, very high that we'll have the 2007 Asian Open in China.'' The return of the China Open to Shanghai for next season has left Beijing without a co-sanctioned European and Asian Tour tournament for 2007 and Goller said the Chinese capital would be considered.

''I am, however, not able to commit to a city,'' he said.

REUTERS DH KN1231