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Thongchai confident in strongest Asian Royal Trophy team

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee believes Asia has a great chance of winning The Royal Trophy for the first time against Europe this week.

The double Asian Tour number one said that the Asian line-up headed by non-playing captain Joe Ozaki for the third edition of the series was the best ever assembled.

"This is the best Asian squad in the competition. It will be very interesting and competitive," said Thongchai.

The other Asian stars who will carry the region's challenge include Thongchai's countryman Prayad Marksaeng, who won three times in Japan last year, Korea's Charlie Wi and S.K. Ho, Chinese star Liang Wen-chong and Japan's Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara and Toru Taniguchi.

Europe, led by non-playing captain Jose Maria Olazabal, will be represented by Paul Lawrie of Scotland, Sweden's Niclas Fasth and Johan Edfors, Oliver Wilson and Nick Dougherty of England, Soren Hansen of Denmark, Paul McGinley of Ireland and Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal.

The Europeans won the first two contests in 2006 and 2007 while the 2008 edition was postponed following a period of mourning in Thailand following the passing of the King's sister.

Thongchai is tipped to team up with Prayad in the opening foursomes session on Friday at Amata Spring Country Club as well as the fourballs on Saturday. They finished tied seventh in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

"I often play well when I play with Prayad," said Thongchai, Asia's number one in 2001 and 2004 and the top career earner on the Asian Tour.

Thongchai will be expected to play a big role in Asia's charge as he is in fine form after a barnstorming finish to his season last year where he won back-to-back titles in Vietnam and Cambodia. Those victories saw him equal Thaworn Wiratchant's record number of 10 victories on the Asian Tour.

"After a break, I have since started practising. I am ready for the tournament," said the 39-year-old Thongchai.

January 7, 2009