With the Royal Trophy and the showdown between Europe and Asia drawing nearer, the teams are slowly coming together. Two of the game's hottest players this year have been selected, along with no less than three of Thailand's most talented and popular players...
Stars line up for Royal Trophy
Two of the game's hottest players in 2006 have joined the star-studded Royal Trophy line-up, along with golf's finest team player. Red-hot Jeev Milkha Singh is Captain Joe Ozaki's final pick, while Seve Ballesteros has drafted in Lee Westwood and Johan Edfors for the second 'Battle of the Continents' in Bangkok. Singh and Edfors have both won three times this year - the Indian star's latest victory was at the recent Casio World Open in Japan, while Westwood has been in great form in the past two Ryder Cups.
Singh has enjoyed an outstanding year in 2006, easily the best of his career. He landed a massive psychological blow against the Europeans by beating most of their top players to win one of the European Tour's showpiece events and final tournament of the year, the Volvo Masters at Valderrama, Spain. His follow-up win in Japan confirmed his place as one of the best players in the game today, and he is hoping to continue his purple patch in Bangkok. He said: "I am very pleased to join the Asian team for the Royal Trophy. I have had a tremendous year and I will go into the Royal Trophy with a lot of confidence."
"This year I have managed to win some very significant events and to prevail over some of the very best players in the world. I will do my best to make a strong contribution to our Asian Team. To win the Royal Trophy against the Europeans right here in Asia would be fantastic. I am looking forward to playing with the support of our Asian fans." Singh's inclusion in the Asian team provides a powerful boost in the continent's attempt the wrestle the Royal Trophy away from the Europeans.
Like Singh, Edfors has been in superlative form this year. His inclusion in the European team also speaks volumes for current healthy state of Swedish golf as he will line up alongside fellow countrymen Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson, both Ryder Cup heroes from a couple of months ago. That gives Sweden equal representation with host nation Thailand at the Amata Spring Country Club, and Edfors is delighted that the two nations have made such a big impact. He said: "I am sure the Thai people will be very proud that three of their golfers have made the Asian Team, and naturally we feel the same way when it is so competitive to make the Team."
Thai trio for Royal Trophy
Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat have been selected for the Royal Trophy, giving Thailand the biggest representation of any country in the Asian team. The announcement confirms seven of the eight players who will be representing the Asian continent against the Europeans at Amata Spring Country Club on January 12 to 14, 2007, leaving only one final player to be selected by Asian Team Captain Joe Ozaki.
Meesawat has crowned a stunning breakthrough year by being selected for his Royal Trophy debut, while Thaworn Wiratchant has also been selected by Captain Ozaki after a highly successful appearance in the inaugural event. They will join countryman Thongchai Jaidee in trying to defeat the Europeans who are fielding a star-studded team led by the legendary Seve Ballesteros as Captain and which includes Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson, Paul McGinley and Robert Karlsson - all members of the European Ryder Cup team.
The presence of three Thai golfers in the Asian team is a clear tribute to Thailand's growing status as a significant force in world golf, and 22- year old Meesawat is at the forefront of this exciting new generation of Thai golfers. Meesawat has been regarded as an outstanding prospect since he won his first of two world junior titles in 1997 - at the tender age of 13. The Hua Hin native went on to win his first tournament against seasoned professionals while he was only 15, and then followed up by winning his second world junior title. His outstanding amateur career was completed with his winning a hat-trick of Thailand Amateur Open titles.
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While Meesawat comes into the Royal Trophy with great confidence and energy, Wiratchant will add tremendous experience to the Asian yeam. The consistent Thai topped the Asian Tour in 2005 winning four tournaments and earning over USD 500,000 in one single season. Wiratchant started the 2006 season with a bang as he won two of his three matches in the inaugural edition of the Royal Trophy. He teamed up with Thongchai Jaidee for a 6 & 5 classic triumph over European legends Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam in the foursomes, and then defeated Woosnam again in the singles. He enjoyed tremendous fan support throughout the matches.
With a trio of top Thai golfers in Captain Joe Ozaki's line-up this time, the galleries are expected to be even larger and more involved as they experience more of the traditional ups and downs and excitement typical of match play golf. The Royal Trophy will be first major event held in commemoration of His Majesty The King's 80th birthday making the participation of the three Thai golfing aces even more timely and dramatic. Wiratchant and Jaidee already have some priceless memories stored away from the first Royal Trophy - including the honor of securing Asia's first ever point in the Championship.
Thongchai set for Royal Trophy
National golfing hero Thongchai Jaidee will be determined to give his home supporters something to cheer when he makes his second appearance in the Royal Trophy in January. Thailand's most celebrated golfer has been named for the Asian team to take on the all-conquering Europeans in Bangkok, along with two of Japan's very best players, Toru Taniguchi and Tetsuji Hiratsuka.
Jaidee, who launched an impressive victory bid at the Hong Kong Open before finishing in a share of third place over the weekend, has already claimed a permanent spot in Royal Trophy folklore. He teamed up with fellow Thai golfer Thaworn Wiratchant to secure Asia's first ever point in the inaugural event, with a memorable foursomes victory over golf legends Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam. Jaidee's joy was short-lived as the Europeans earned a 9 - 7 triumph in the opening 'Battle of the Continents', and he is determined to keep the Trophy on Thai soil this time.
He said: "I feel truly privileged to be part of the Asian team for the Royal Trophy. I will be carrying the Thai flag and representing the people of Asia. This is a tremendous honour. The Royal Trophy is the first event commemorating His Majesty the King's 80th birthday. He donated the Royal Trophy, and I am proud that our Kingdom of Thailand is hosting such an important event. Naturally, I am delighted to be part of it and I will do my utmost to represent our country, our continent and our Asian people with great competitive spirit and sportsmanship. I will work very hard to make Thailand, our Asian people and our beloved King proud." |
