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 1214, next year.

Announcing the Asian line up for the biennial tournament between the two continents at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club here, the 44year-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 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.