Thongchai backs Asian stars to shine

GOLF

Asia are upbeat about their chance of securing the team's first win over Europe at the Royal Trophy inter-continental match beginning on Friday.

Europe captain Jose Maria Olazabal, right, hits a shot as his Asian counterpart Joe Ozaki, second from right, looks on in a challenge match outside CentralWorld yesterday. PAWAT LAOPAISARNTAKSIN

The Europeans defeated Asia in the first two editions of the Ryder Cup-style competition in 2006 and 2007.

While Europe are favourites to seal their third straight triumph, Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is confident that Asia are capable of beating Europe in the third Royal Trophy which begins Friday at the Amata Spring Country Club in Chon Buri.

"This is the best-ever Asian squad in the competition," Thongchai said yesterday. "It will be very interesting and competitive."

The Lop Buri-born golfer, who played in the first two tournaments, said his team could win the prestigious King's trophy with a good game plan.

Thongchai teamed up with Prayad Marksaeng when Thailand finished seventh at the World Cup in China last year, and he would love to partner the Hua Hin native again.

"I often play well when I play with Prayad," Thongchai said.

The Royal Trophy features three days of singles, foursomes and fourballs.

The former soldier said he hoped to carry his fine form from last month's final three tournaments on the Asian Tour to the Royal Trophy.

The 38-year-old father of two won two successive tournaments in Vietnam and Cambodia and finished joint 14th at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok.

"After a break during the New Year, I have since started practising," he said.

"I am ready for the tournament. I hope Thai fans will come out in their droves to cheer us."

In Tokyo, Japanese teenage golf sensation Ryo Ishikawa says the whole of Asia is behind him as he makes his international pro debut at the Royal Trophy.

"I'm pumped up as I go to Thailand carrying the wishes of Asian people on my shoulders," the 17-year-old said yesterday before flying to Bangkok.

"I'm thrilled. It is a matter of winning or losing and I am determined to go with the belief that we will definitely win," said Ishikawa, who shot to fame in May 2007 when he won a Japan Tour event as an amateur at the age of 15 years and eight months.

Ishikawa said teamwork could bring Asia their first Royal Trophy after defeats in the opening two editions.

Ishikawa recalled Japan's surprise Olympic bronze medal in the men's 4x100m relay at last year's Beijing Olympics as an inspiration for his team.

"At that time, each one of them was slower individually but they could get a medal with techniques to reduce losses in passing the baton," he said. "This time, there is a sufficient possibility that the Japan-Asia team can win by improving teamwork."

TEAMS

Europe: Paul Lawrie (Scotland), Niclas Fasth (Sweden), Oliver Wilson (England), Soren Hansen (Denmark), Johan Edfors (Sweden), Nick Dougherty (England), Paul McGinley (Ireland), Pablo Larrazabal (Spain)

Asia: Prayad Marksaeng (Thailand), Hideto Tanihara (Japan), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Ryo Ishikawa (Japan), S.K. Ho (South Korea), Liang Wenchong (China), Charlie Wi (South Korea), Toru Taniguchi (Japan)