Captain Jeev Milkha Singh has unveiled a line-up featuring Asian Tour number one Anirban Lahiri of India and Thai star Thongchai Jaidee to shoulder Asia’s hopes in next month’s EurAsia Cup.
Also qualifying for the Asia team are India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia, Japan’s Shingo Katayama, Malaysia’s Danny Chia, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, and Korean duo K.T. Kim and Byeong Hun An.
Singh named Malaysian Nicholas Fung, China’s Wu Ashun, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and Korean Jeung Hun Wang as his captain’s picks for the second edition of the new Ryder Cup-style matchplay event. (Latest Golf News)
“I believe we have assembled a very strong team capable of defeating Team Europe after the thrilling 10-10 draw in 2014. That will be our mission next month — to win the EurAsia Cup.”
EurAsia Cup will be held at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 15-17, 2016.
“I am delighted to unveil my team which comprises a great mix of in-form golfers, established names and rising stars of the game in Asia,” said Singh in a press conference at Glenmarie today.
“To underscore the strength of Team Asia, six of my team members – Thongchai, Kiradech, An, Anirban, Kim and Shingo – are ranked in the top-60 of the Official World Golf Ranking which is a fantastic reflection of the strength of the game in Asia.
“I believe we have assembled a very strong team capable of defeating Team Europe after the thrilling 10-10 draw in 2014. That will be our mission next month – to win the EurAsia Cup.”
Singh added he would count on many of Asia’s proven champions to deliver the points at the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM, which has been dubbed the Ryder Cup of the East. Team Asia’s 12 members have a combined 92 career victories around the world.
Lahiri was crowned Asia’s number one after winning twice this season while Kiradech, Prayad and Kim also won multiple times over the past 12 months. Thongchai, Asia’s only three-time Order of Merit winner, triumphed in Europe while Katayama, Wu and An, named recently as European Tour Rookie of the Year, have also been victorious this season.
“Many of my team members have won tournaments around the world this year and they have the self-belief, confidence and hunger to excel against the best players in the world,” said Singh, himself a former double Asian Tour number one and multiple champion in Japan and Europe.
