BANGKOK – Japan’s Toru Taniguchi holed the winning putt as Asia completed a convincing 10-6 victory over two-time champions Europe in the Royal Trophy team competition yesterday.
Asia required just two points from the eight singles matches after dominating the first two days and they battle a spirited resistance from Europe to secure a first win following defeats in 2006 and 2007.
The loss was a blow to European captain Jose Maria Olazabal who wanted a victory to underline his credentials as a future Ryder Cup captain and lift the spirits of his friend and tournament creator Seve Ballesteros, who is recovering from brain surgery.
‘It hurts that we lost,’ said the two-time Masters champion. ‘The guys tried hard today but it was very difficult to come back from such a big deficit.
‘Asia have raised the bar without a doubt and we will have to come here next time angrier and more determined to beat these guys.
‘Seve is recovering from his health issues and Europe may have a different captain next year and I can tell Asia he will be tougher to beat than I was.’
Asian captain Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki, on the end of a nine-point thrashing two years ago, was delighted that Asia won in style.
‘I am very happy right now,’ he said. ‘I will never forget this week – my dream has come true. I really wanted to win this time after the loss in 2007 and all my team felt that way as well. They sensed that I wanted them to play aggressively.’
Former Japan Tour number one Taniguchi smashed an off-form Niclas Fasth of Sweden by a tournament record 7 and 6 in a one-sided tussle at Amata Spring Country Club. – Nampa-AFP
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