Jeev included in Asian team for Royal Trophy against Europe

New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Jeev Milkha Singh will be part of the Asian contingent that will take on top European players in the Ryder Cup format Royal Trophy to be played in Thailand from January 12 to 14.

The Chandigarh-based pro is the only Indian in the Asian team which will take on leading European professionals Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Henrik Stenson, Nicklaus Fasth, Anthony Wall, Johan Edfors and Robert Karlsson at the Amata Springs Country Club Course.

Legendary Seve Ballesteros will captain the European team.

''It's an honour to be a part of the Royal Trophy team. I am looking to kick-off the New Year on a positive note and this tournament will help me get back into the competitive spirit after some time off and also to prepare for my forthcoming events,'' said Jeev, who is currently ranked 37th in the world.

''I am looking forward to playing alongside some of the best professionals in the world from both Europe and Asia and am sure we will witness three days of highly competitive golf,'' Jeev added.

The Asian team, comprising eight leading professional golfers of the continent -- Koreans SK Ho and YE Yang, Japanese Toro Taniguchi and Hiratskuta and the Thai trio of Prom Meesawat, Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant, besides Jeev -- under the guidance of captain Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki, is expected to give a tough competition to the Europeans.

The tournament, which will bring together some of the best golfers in Europe and Asia for 16-matches of fourball, foursomes and singles is being played for the second time. Europe won the first edition last year and they will be looking to retain the trophy, while the Asians will put regional pride on the line as they concentrate their efforts to post a victory and get even.

UNI