Defending champions Scotland, hosts China and another 26 nations and regions will compete in the 54th World Cup on the 18-hole Olazabal course at Mission Hills Golf Club. The 72-hole stroke play tournament will present two rounds of fourballs and two of foursomes, beginning with the fourball format on Thursday.

Scotland's big name Colin Montgomerie and his new partner Alastair Forsyth are looking to retain the title, and they have been drawn to group with China in the first round. Montgomerie and Marc Warren beat the United States team in a play-off last year to win the World Cup for the first time for Scotland.

"It feels slightly different with a new partner, but at the same time I am delighted to come back to a venue where we won the inaugural Omega Mission Hills World Cup," said Montgomerie.

"It was a great honor for us, and the first time Scotland had won the event. We had been runners-up, I believe half a dozen times before, and it was good that we came here and eventually won after having lost in a playoff the previous year.

"We'll be playing with the local Chinese team, and out last, so it will be busy. We look forward to trying to get off to a good start to build from there."

China's "Golden pair" Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong finished11th a year ago, which is their highest ranking ever, and they are confident to make good results this time.

"We have had two days of practicing together here," said Zhang at a pre-game press conference.

"We've had a lot of birdies between us and hopefully we'll continue to do so when the tournament starts tomorrow. I think it's a good thing that the host country will be paired with the defending champions.

Liang added: "Playing with Scotland, we'll try to play our best. I hope the fans will give all their support to our team."

Sweden are one of the favorites to win the title with 2008 European Tour Number One and World No 6, Robert Karlsson, and his countryman, World No. 12 Henrik Stenson to form a strong pair.

"It's something that's different from what we play on a weekly basis. Obviously with the team format, and playing better ball and foursomes, I think it's a whole lot of fun just to be able to play in a relaxed, but still competitive mode," said Stenson.

"It's also a great honor to play for your country and I think that's the most important thing; that we go out there and we represent Sweden and we want to win it for Sweden."

Karlsson added: "If you look on the players who have won this tournament over the years, it's very prestigious. A lot of great names up there and it would be great to join them."

From the year 2007 on, the Golf World Cup will be held at Misson Hills for 12 consecutive years.