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Europe and Asia face off for Royal Trophy in Thailand

Seve Ballesteros will mastermind Europe's bid to repel a concerted Asian challenge in the second staging of the Royal Trophy in Thailand this week.

The Spanish great, one of the driving forces behind the event's creation, is non-playing captain of the European team in the three-day matchplay extravaganza that tees-off on Friday.

Bangkok's acclaimed Amata Spring Country Club will host the showpiece that has been billed as the "Battle of the Continents."

"We are looking forward to strong competition from the Asian team. There is no doubt they will put up a highly spirited fight," said Ballesteros, who led Europe to a 9-7 victory in the inaugural edition of the event last year.

Like the Ryder Cup matchplay event between Europe and the US, the Royal Trophy uses three different formats -- foursomes (alternate shot) on the opening day followed by four-ball on day two and singles on the last day.

With five members of Europe's triumphant 2006 Ryder Cup team in his line-up, Ballesteros is confident he can inspire his charges to another victory.

Ireland's Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke, England's Lee Westwood and Swedes Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson, who secured the winning point in both the Royal Trophy and Ryder Cup last year, provide the backbone for Europe.

Despite facing such strong opposition, the Asian team, captained by Japan's Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki, are not daunted.

Spearheading their charge is Indian Jeev Milkha Singh, ranked 37th in the world after a breakthrough 2006.

"Last year I managed to win some very significant events and to prevail over some of the best players in the world. I will do my best to make a strong contribution to our Asian team," Singh said. "To win the Royal Trophy against the Europeans right here in Asia would be fantastic."
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