Asia defeat Europe to clinch Royal Trophy

GOLF

CHON BURI : Team Asia's golfers stormed to a smashing 10-6 victory over Europe yesterday to win the Royal Trophy for the first time at the Amata Spring Country Club course.

The honour of clinching the point that guaranteed Asia victory went to Japan's Toru Taniguchi who sunk a 15-foot birdie as he demolished Sweden's Niclas Fasth 7&6.

But, as Taniguchi was quick to point out, it was a great team effort over three days that gave Asia such a convincing win over their European counterparts. "We all chipped in." said the Japanese player.

More than 16,000 fans packed into the course yesterday, most of them cheering the Asian team - and they did not go home disappointed.

Following their fine performances in the opening two days of action which gave them a healthy 6.5 to 1.5 lead, Asia went into yesterday's singles needing just two points to secure victory.

With Taniguchi and Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng moving into commanding leads on the front nine the result was never really in doubt. Prayad was five-up after just six holes against Spain's Pablo Larrazabal.

Although the European team picked up 4.5 points to Asia's 3.5 in yesterday's singles, the damage had been done on the first two days.

Asia captain Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki was ecstatic at his team's victory. "I'm so happy, I will never forget this week. my dream has come true," he said after holding aloft the magnificent solid silver 16-kilo Royal Trophy.

Ozaki, who was also team captain in 2007 when Asia suffered a heavy defeat, said this time he had a feeling it was going to be different.

"In 2007 I was nervous and didn't know what to do. But this time when I saw the determination of my players I knew we could win. I'm really excited, it means a lot to me."

Completing Asia's singles victories yesterday was Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee who was always in command against Ireland's Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley who he beat 5&4 in the final match of the day. "We were motivated. We all knew what we had to do," said Thongchai.

It was great tournament for both Thai representatives with Prayad and Thongchai picking up a maximum three points each, contributing a significant proportion of their team's total score.

The Europeans put on a better showing yesterday, but captain Jose Maria Olazabal admitted it was never going to be enough to turn the tournament around.

"'It hurts that we lost," he said. "We were down badly in a couple of matches so that made it very difficult for us."

Olazabal was magnanimous in defeat and congratulated the Asian team. "Asia played very well. They have raised the bar. Next time we will have to come back angrier and more determined."

He also praised the Royal Trophy tournament itself. "It's been a wonderful week. I will always cherish it."

The European players knew they had fallen short. "We gave it a great effort today, but we were not all there together," said Denmark's Soren Hansen.

England's Nick Dougherty, who enjoyed a 1-up victory over Korea's Charlie Wi in yesterday's singles, also admitted his team were not at their best. "I don't think we played too well to be honest. A lot of the guys were a bit rusty this week."

Dougherty was full of praise for the Europe captain, a sentiment echoed by all the team. "I feel really sorry for Olly because he has done a really great job."

One of the few successes in the European team was Scotland's Paul Lawrie who played steadily throughout the tournament and beat China's Liang Wen-chong 3&2 in yesterday's singles.

"The Asian boys played well," said Lawrie. "In particular they putted well and that's why they won."

Lawrie admitted he had not heard of the 17-year-old Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa before this tournament. "He's a nice lad and has got a good future," he said.

Although Ishikawa probably wasn't at his best, only picking up two halves in the tournament, he was certainly the centre of attention amongst the huge galleries and the media.

Ishikawa, who said he took up golf after watching Tiger Woods, said the big crowds did not bother him, although he wished he had played a bit better. "I did not drive it well today," he said. "If not for that I think I could have beaten Soren (Hansen)."

The victory is an indicator of how far Asian golf has progressed in recent years. Already golf fans in Thailand are licking their lips in anticipation of next year's Royal Trophy where you can be sure the cream of Europe's golfers will be determined to regain the prestigious prize.