Sunday, April 23 2006 12:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Shanghai: German car giant BMW said Sunday (Apr 23, 2006) it was committed to the Chinese market and would almost certainly keep its flagship Asian Open golf tournament on the mainland.

The joint-sanctioned European and Asian Tour event has been held five times - twice in Taiwan before moving to Shanghai in 2004.

The contract with Shanghai is now up, but BMW China marketing manager Jochen Goller said the booming Chinese market and its fast growing interest in golf meant the tournament would almost certainly remain on the mainland.

"I cannot promise but we want to continue the Asian Open in China in coming years," he said, adding that Beijing could also be a possible site.

"China is one of the most important markets for BMW and the growth in golf in China is astounding, so that indicates that we will be staying in China."

Contract negotiations are expected to get underway after the current event ends on Sunday.

China currently hosts four European Tour events - the Asian Open, the Volvo China Open, the TCL Classic and the HSBC Champions tournament.