GOLF / ROYAL TROPHY FINAL DAY : Europe complete decisive victory

GOLF / ROYAL TROPHY FINAL DAY :

Europe complete decisive victory.

Champions prove too strong for Asians

ROGER CRUTCHLEY

Europe retained the Royal Trophy in overwhelming fashion yesterday, defeating Asia 121/2-31/2 in a formidable display of top quality golf at Amata Spring Country Club.

After falling well behind in the first two days, Asia needed a miracle in yesterday's final round but it never looked like it was going to happen as the Europeans comprehensively took the singles 6-2.

The only Asia win on the final day came in the very last match in which Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee played his best golf of the weekend to defeat Sweden's Niclas Fasth 2&1 in an absorbing encounter.

Asia's only other points yesterday came from two halved matches. In the fifth match, South Korea's Y.E Yang fought back bravely to be all square with the in-form Swede Henrik Stenson.

Earlier, in what turned out to be the match of the day, Thailand's Prom Meesawat fought back to share the points with Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke in a thoroughly entertaining see-saw battle.

The remaining five matches were all won by Europe. Thailand's other representative, Thaworn Wiratchant, suffered a frustrating day, losing 2&1 to Ireland's Paul McGinley after being two up and leading for half the round.

In other matches, Lee Westwood won the opening encounter withToru Taniguchi 4&3, Johan Edfors defeated S.K.Ho 3&2, Anthony Wall outplayed Tetsuji Hiratsuka 4&2, and Robert Karlsson beat Jeev Milkha Singh 3&2.

It was a sweeping victory for Europe and richly deserved as they generally outplayed their Asian opponents.

Europe captain Seve Ballesteros was naturally delighted with his team's performance.

"They played fantastic golf," he said. "They are Ryder Cup champions."

Ballesteros also had praise for the Asia team. "They played very well, but we played better.

"The Asian team did not have quite the experience, but our team played unbelievable golf and also had a bit of luck."

Asia captain Joe Ozaki looked a little shell-shocked at the end of the three days, but accepted the reality that Europe had a much stronger side that included five 2006 Ryder Cup players.

"The European players were very strong, but we learnt a lot from them," Ozaki said. "I expected it to be much closer but we lacked the experience. In hindsight, maybe I could have done some things differently too."

Ozaki said that despite the defeat he had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. "Our boys should play more with the Europeans so they can improve."

A large gallery showed up to cheer the Asia team, but any hopes of a shock turnaround were dispelled in the first match when Westwood triumphed despite being down to Taniguchi for most of the front nine.

"You would never have thought it would have been such a convincing victory when we walked away from the eighth with Toru one up," Westwood said.

"That's 13 matches in a row for me representing Europe without losing _ there's nothing unlucky about 13 for me."

By the time Clarke and Prom had halved their match, Europe were home and dry but it did not take anything away from their entertaining encounter which was followed by a large gallery.

It didn't look good for Prom as Clarke found himself three up after just three holes thanks to a couple of bogeys from the Thai player. But Prom turned it around on the back nine and by the 14th was amazingly two up against the Ryder Cup star.

But Clarke rallied and they went into the 18th all square. A generous concession by Clarke, when Prom faced a long putt, meant the match was halved.

Prom said Clarke's action at the 18th was a reflection of the sporting manner in which his opponent had played throughout their match.

Clarke said he really enjoyed playing with Prom. "It was one of those matches where you didn't want to see a loser, a real good ding-dong battle played in terrific spirit. Prom is a great prospect for the future"

Clarke said he had thoroughly enjoyed the Royal Trophy. "I'm delighted to have helped Europe retain the trophy. We've all enjoyed the whole experience. The crowds and organisation have been wonderful."

Thongchai was delighted with his victory over Fasth, but disappointed that Asia lost by such a big margin. "It was nice to win but I would have felt better if our team had won," he said.

The Thai star had a blistering start with five birdies in the first six holes. After moving one up at the fourth hole Thongchai stayed in front for the rest of the match although he did see his four up lead at the 10th cut to just one up at the 16th.

After clinching his match at the 17th Thongchai was greeted by Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda who congratulated him on his fine performance.

Yang, who provided Europe's other half point, said he was pleased with Asia's performance on the final day.

"All the Asian golfers were playing for pride. I think everyone put up a great fight. As we get more experience of competitions like this we will find a way to match _ and beat _ the Europeans."

Despite Europe's wide margin of victory the tournament was a great success as witnessed by the thousands of fans who showed up at Amata Spring every day. Match play is clearly a format that appeals to the Thai golfing public and will become even more appealing if the Asia side is more competitive.

As Ballesteros said: "It has been a fantastic tournament and it has a great future."

Bangkok Post
Monday January 15, 2007