Shah Alam, Malaysia: Anirban Lahiri, Shingo Katayama and Thongchai Jaidee will spearhead the continent’s challenge in next month’s EurAsia Cup.
Thai Thongchai, Indians Lahiri and SSP Chawrasia and Malaysian Danny Chia earned their places as the leading four Asian golfers on the Asian Tour Order of Merit when qualifying concluded last week.
Meanwhile, Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Japan’s Katayama and Korean duo KT Kim and An Byeong-hun made it into Team Asia from the Official World Golf Ranking.
Team Asia Captain Jeev Milkha Singh has selected Malaysian Nicholas Fung, China’s Wu Ashun, experienced Thai Prayad Marksaeng and Korean Jeunghun Wang as his four captain’s picks to complete his squad to take on a Darren Clarke-led Team Europe at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 15-17.
“I am delighted to unveil my team which comprises a great mix of in-form golfers, established names and rising stars of the game in Asia,” said Indian Singh.
“To underscore the strength of Team Asia, six of my team members – Thongchai, Kiradech, An, Anirban, Kim and Shingo – are ranked in the top-60 of the Official World Golf Ranking, which is a fantastic reflection of the strength of the game in Asia.
“I believe we have assembled a very strong team capable of defeating Team Europe after the thrilling 10-10 draw in 2014. That will be our mission next month – to win the EurAsia Cup.”
Singh added he would count on many of Asia’s proven champions to deliver the points for his 12-strong team who have a combined 92 career victories around the world.
Lahiri was crowned Asian Tour Order of Merit champion after winning twice this season while Kiradech, Prayad and Kim also won multiple times over the past 12 months. Thongchai, Asia’s only three-time Order of Merit winner, triumphed in Europe while Katayama, Wu and European Tour Rookie of the Year An have also been victorious this season.
“Many of my team members have won tournaments around the world this year and they have the self-belief, confidence and hunger to excel against the best players in the world,” said Singh, himself a former double Asian Tour number one and multiple champion in Japan and Europe.
“I’m equally excited with my four picks as the quartet will bring various qualities to the team. Nicholas has been in contention on the Asian Tour over the past few months and I believe he will bring a lot of value to my team being the local star.
“Wang is one of the most exciting young golfers to emerge and he missed out on the team by one rung on the Order of Merit, so I felt he deserved a pick. Then, there’s Prayad who continues to defy age by winning twice in Asia and Japan this season and Wu showed his worth by winning his home Open on the European Tour this year.”
The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six fourball matches, followed by six foursomes matches and 12 singles matches on the third day.
The winning team will share prize money of US$3.6 million while the runners-up will share US$1.2 million.
Team Europe will feature Danny Willet, Ross Fisher, Victor Dubuisson, Chris Wood, Andy Sullivan, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Bernd Wiesberger, Soren Kjeldsen, Kristoffer Broberg, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood.