GUESS WHAT GAVIN HAS IN COMMON WITH JAPAN’S IKEDA?

TO communicate in Japanese is out of Gavin Kyle Green’s league but at least he has one thing in common with Yuta Ikeda. The Malaysian just loves Japanese food!

But food banter aside, Asian Tour No. 1 Gavin is hoping that his partnership with Ikeda, a 19-time Japan Golf Tour winner, will fluorish in the opening fourball session of the EurAsia Cup and put points on the scoreboard for Team Asia today.

Although he is making his debut, Gavin has been entrusted by captain Arjun Atwal to be one of the frontliners.

Gavin and Ikeda, also a first-timer, will take on Belgium’s Thomas Pieters and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick in the second match of the day.

Gavin, known for his long-hitting prowess, is optimistic his game will complement Ikeda’s well.

“I think Ikeda and I worked out the pairing that suits us the best.

“I think that given he’s playing in Japan, he’s a pretty straight player off the tee while I’m a little longer.

“I think that with his experience and myself under his wing, it will be a good match.

“He actually speaks good English. I think it’s good enough for us to get around. We have a pretty good sense of what to do tomorrow.

“We are out there to enjoy our game and make as many birdies as possible.”

All eyes will also be on another local star Nicholas Fung as he makes his third straight appearance.

Nicholas will team up with China No. 1 Li Haotong against a formidable Austria-Spain combination Bernd Wiesberger and Rafa Cabrera-Bello in the fifth tie.

“I’m delighted to be paired with Haotong. I’ve known him a long time ago and we’re quite close and comfortable with each other.

“Being able to converse in Chinese is a plus point for us, it makes everything easier.

“Thomas and Rafa are surely going to start as favourites but I think Haotong and me can produce something special.”