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 to lift the spirits of his friend and tournament creator Seve Ballesteros, who is recovering from brain surgery.
PHOTO: EPA
“It hurts that we lost,” the two-time Masters champion said. “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,” he said.
Asian captain Naomichi “Joe” Ozaki, on the end of a nine-point thrashing two years ago, was delighted that Asia won in style.
In the top match, Japanese teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa secured a battling half with Soren Hansen of Denmark while Johan Edfors of Sweden beat S.K Ho of Korea 5 and 4. England’s Nick Dougherty was taken to the 18th by Korea’s Charlie Wi before winning 1 up and countryman Oliver Wilson, a member of Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup team in Valhalla last year, beat Hideto Tanihara of Japan 3 and 2.
“I think next year Europe will bring stronger players so they can get the Royal Trophy back,” said Wi, who usually plays on the US PGA Tour.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely