Golf:Europe are braced for a stiff test of their mettle at this week's Royal Trophy against an Asian team billed as the best yet and eager for payback after losing in a thriller last time around.
Asia start as the underdogs against Colin Montgomerie's side but will be buoyed by home advantage for the fifth straight time at a new venue, the Black Mountain Golf Club in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin, one of Asia's fastest-growing golfing hubs.
Montgomerie is oozing confidence after captaining sides to Ryder Cup and Royal Trophy wins in the last year, but is braced for a tense tussle when he returns as player-captain for the second time.
"When you look at the Asian team and the strength they have on board, you can see Asia is booming in the world of golf," Montgomerie said today. "We'll be hard pushed, we have to give 100 per cent, we'll give everything and we look forward to defending our ground."
The 47-year-old has opted for a blend of fresh talent with and trusted stalwarts of the European game, recalling Henrik Stenson and Johan Edfors to join four newcomers in a team that boast a combined 50 European Tour titles.
"That mix of youth an experience was what we had at Ryder Cup and Europe are on a roll now," Montgomerie added. "Europe has never been in a healthier state in golf. We want to preserve that record and with we have a very good team."
The competition starts on Friday and runs for three days, featuring foursomes, fourballs and singles matches.
Europe:Colin Montgomerie (Scotland), Rhys Davies (Wales), Pablo Martin (Spain), Matteo Manassero (Italy) Johan Edfors, Peter Hanson, Henrik Stenson, Fredrik Andersson Hed (all Sweden)
Asia:Ryo Ishikawa, Yuta Ikeda, Shunsuke Sonoda (all Japan), Kim Kyung-tae, Noh Seung-yul (all Korea), Liang Wenchong (China), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Jeev Milkha Singh (India)
