 National
golfing hero Thongchai Jaidee will be determined to give his home supporters
something to cheer when he makes his second appearance in the Royal Trophy
in January.
Thailand's most celebrated golfer has been named in the Asian Team to
take on the all-conquering Europeans in Bangkok, along with two of Japan's
very best players, Toru Taniguchi and Tetsuji Hiratsuka.
Jaidee, who launched an impressive victory bid at the Hong Kong Open
before finishing in a share of third place over the weekend, has already
claimed a permanent spot in Royal Trophy folklore. He teamed up with fellow
Thai golfer Thaworn Wiratchant to secure Asia's first ever point in the
inaugural event, with a memorable foursomes victory over golf legends Nick
Faldo and Ian Woosnam.
Jaidee's joy was short-lived as the Europeans earned a 9-7 triumph in the
opening 'Battle of the Continents', and he is determined to keep the Trophy
on Thai soil this time.
He said: "I feel truly privileged to be part of the Asian Team for the
Royal Trophy. I will be carrying the Thai flag and representing the people
of Asia. This is a tremendous honour."
 "The
Royal Trophy is the first event commemorating His Majesty the King's 80th
Birthday. He donated the Royal Trophy, and I am proud that our Kingdom of
Thailand is hosting such an important event."
"Naturally, I am delighted to be part of it and I will do my utmost to
represent our country, our continent and our Asian people with great
competitive spirit and sportsmanship. I will work very hard to make
Thailand, our Asian people and our beloved King proud."
"When you are out on the course wearing the Asian uniform, and there are
huge galleries cheering you on like on the final singles day at the first
Royal Trophy, the feeling is amazing. It really gives you an incredible
level of determination to win. In the first edition of the Royal Trophy we
played very well. The Europeans won, but it was very close and we will play
very hard to win this time and to keep His Majesty's Royal Trophy here in
Thailand."
Both Taniguchi and Hiratsuka are newcomers to the Royal Trophy and have
been in outstanding form. Both players are winners on the Japan Tour this
year.
Taniguchi, one of the very best players Japan has ever produced, claimed
his 11th career title with victory in the Omaezaki Championship, while
Hiratsuka won for the third time with his success in the Woodone Open.
They look another ready-made combination for an Asian Team that will pose
a real threat to the supremacy of a European Team who have won the last
three Ryder Cups, as well as the first Royal Trophy.
The Korean duo of Yang Yong-eun, hot from his win in Shanghai, and S.K.
Ho have already been selected, and Asian Captain Joe Ozaki is delighted at
the pool of talent he has to choose from.
He said: "I sincerely welcome Toru Taniguchi, Tetsuji Hiratsuka and
Thongchai Jaidee to the Asian Team for the Royal Trophy. I am very confident
that they will all make a great contribution to the Team. They are all great
players and will be very strong assets in our efforts to defeat the
Europeans in Thailand."
"We have now named five players for our Asian Team. They are all capable
of playing outstanding golf and together we will be very strong. I am
looking forward to confronting the challenge of playing against Europe and I
am also very determined to deliver the Royal Trophy to our Asian people."
"Toru Taniguchi and Tetsuji Hiratsuka have great experience and are very
familiar with facing the best players in the world. They are both great
winners."
"Thongchai is also a great player and he will have the benefit of playing
at home in Thailand with immense support from the fans. This will make him
even more determined to win. Our Asian Team is shaping up very well and I am
very confident."
Taniguchi admitted he hopes to be paired with his Japanese countryman
when they tee off from January 12-14.
He explained: "It is great that our Asian Team for the Royal Trophy will
include at least two players from Japan, myself and Tetsuji Hiratsuka. We
could play together in the foursomes and four-balls matches, but that is a
decision best left in the hands of Captain Joe Ozaki."
"It will be an honor to play in Captain Joe Ozaki's Asian Team. He is a
truly legendary Japanese golfer and this is a wonderful opportunity to play
under his captaincy."
"We face a difficult challenge, because the European Team is very strong.
They are the Ryder Cup holders and their team will include Darren Clarke,
Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson and Paul McGinley. These are all Ryder Cup
players with strong team golf experience. But Asian golf has come a long way
over the past years and if we play well over the three days, we have a solid
chance of securing the Royal Trophy."
Hiratsuka echoed the view that Asia will not mind that Europe, led by
Seve Ballesteros, will be the favorites to retain the Trophy.
"Playing the Europeans will be difficult. They have many great players,
but our Asian Team is also very strong with players like Toru Taniguchi,
Thongchai Jaidee, Yang Yong-eun and S.K. Ho. Many of us play a lot on the
Japan Tour and we know each other well."
"We are comfortable with each other which will help our team spirit. So I
am confident about our chances at the Royal Trophy."
"In team golf strategy is critically important and we are very fortunate
to be able to call on the great experience of Captain Joe Ozaki. He will
play a significant role in our efforts to defeat the Europeans in Bangkok." |
