Arjun names strong Asian team to wrest EurAsia Cup
SHAH ALAM: Team Asia captain Arjun Atwal believes his team is strong enough to outperform Team Europe and wrest the EurAsia Cup during the third edition of the tournament scheduled from Jan 12-14, next year.
Announcing the Asian line up for the biennial tournament between the two continents at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club here, the 44-year-old Indian golfer said his 12 teammates, including six debutants, are all fired up to challenge the European side.
“I know all 12 players personally, most of them are still in their 20s but they have achieved huge success at a young age and have established themselves in the game. Seven players in my team are ranked inside the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking and this underlines the strength of Team Asia.
“We will face a strong Team Europe but I have faith in every member in my team. I have already mapped out a game plan to keep the players motivated and battle- ready when the
I know all 12 players personally, most of them are still in their 20s but they have achieved huge success at a young age and have established themselves in the game. Seven players in my team are ranked inside the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking and this underlines the strength of Team Asia. Arjun Atwal, Team Asia captain
tournament starts,” said Arjun, who is the first Indian golfer to win on the US PGA Tour, claiming the 2010 Wyndham Championship, in a press conference after visiting the venue here, yesterday. Arjun yesterday announced that the leading four Asian players on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, namely the current leader Gavin Kyle Green of Malaysia; teenager Phachara Khongwatmai and Poom Saksansin of Thailand; and India’s SSP Chawrasia qualified to be in the team. The leading Asians on the Official World Golf Ranking ( OWG R ) are Japan’s Yuta Ikeda ( ranked 37th); Li Haotong of China; the 2015 Asian Tour’s number one, Anirban Lahiri of India and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand. Another four players who made the team as the captain’s pick are Hideto Tanihara of Japan; Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, who will make his third appearance in the EurAsia Cup; South Korea’s An Byeong-hun and Kang Sung-hoon.
The 23-year- old Green, who is set to make his debut in the tournament after an impressive season this year with his maiden Asian Tour title and three times runner-up finish, hopes for the local fans support.
“It is always nice playing in front of the home crowd. The EurAsia Cup is a huge thing and it is a totally different ball game as compared to a strokeplay event. It is a team event and everyone gathers like a big family,” he said.
The 2018 EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, fol lowed by six Foursome matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.
Team Europe led by Thomas Bjorn, comprise Rafa CabreraBel lo, Paul Casey, Paul Dunne, Ross Fisher, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Alex Levy, Alex Noren, Thomas Pieters, Henrik Stenson and Bernd Wiesberger.
During the inaugural edition in 2014, Team Asia and Europe shared the trophy after both teams were tied 10-10, before Team Europe won the cup defeating Team Asia 18½- 5½ in the last edition.