Royal Trophy - Faldo & Woosnam set for Thai battle

Asia 's home heroes Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant face an epic showdown against European legends Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam when the inaugural Royal Trophy begins on Saturday with the morning's Foursomes session.

The Thai stars, Asia 's number one players over the past two seasons, will anchor the home side in the alternate-shot format matches at Amata Spring Country Club against a battle-hardened and the proven combination of Faldo and Woosnam.

Europe 's non-playing captain Seve Ballesteros will send out England 's David Howell, ranked 11th in the world, and compatriot Kenneth Ferrie for the o pen ing encounter against SK Ho of Korea and Japan 's Keiichiro Fukabori.

India 's Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal, both former Asian number ones, were paired together by Asian skipper Masahiro Kuramoto where they will face Irishmen Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell in what is poised to be a compelling duel.

Big Dane Thomas Bjorn and Swede Henrik Stenson, who enjoyed a successful partnership in the Seve Trophy last year by winning all their three matches together, take on Chinese matchplay wizard Zhang Lian-wei and Yasuharo Imano of Japan in the third foursomes match, followed by the mouth-watering anchor showdown.

Kuramoto, one of the most decorated golfers in Japan with 30 career triumphs, was delighted with the draw. "Knowing Seve, I expected him to play Faldo and Woosnam in the last match because they are both outstanding players. I am happy my guess was correct as I wanted my Thai players to be in the last match," said Kuramoto.

"If we can obtain three points in the morning, it will be nice. But looking at the pairings now, I will be happy if the score is tied 2-2 after the Foursomes."

Former US Masters champion Woosnam formed a formidable partnership with Faldo in the Ryder Cup, notching five wins and two halves from 10 outings together. Faldo is also Europe 's all-time points earner in the Ryder Cup. "We played together in 1987 and 1989 and had a great run. But we didn't play well in Kiawah Island (1991) and it was time to change," said Woosnam, who will captain Europe in the Ryder Cup in September.

"Nick is very steady and is always going to be consistent while I am an aggressive player. It is a bit different now as we are a lot older but we have not lost our competitive edge and it'll be fun out there," said Woosnam.

Former soldier Thongchai will be aiming to gun down the veterans as he partners last season's Asian Tour number one, Thaworn. "I think it will be a good match. Thaworn and I know each other's game well and we are a good team. Nick and Ian are great players and it is a wonderful opportunity to play against them. I think all the morning matches will be very close."

Ballesteros, a five-time major champion, said it was an easy decision to pair his two captain's picks together. "I had a conversation with Nick and Ian and they were happy to play together. For foursomes, they are the best possible team as they are very consistent and they have a lot of experience.

"It is important for our players to feel happy. The competition is going to be difficult but on top of that, they must enjoy being together out there," said the Spaniard.

Ballesteros was excited to be a part of a historic first match between Asia and Europe . "The players are happy to be a part of this tournament and we think it has a great future. We are making history here. "The Ryder Cup started in 1927 and the Royal Trophy in 2006. Maybe in a few years time, this will be one of the best sporting events in the world. It's great to be a part of a historic moment," he said.

Kuramoto said his men know the importance of this week's showdown. "For Asian players, they realise how important it is to win this first Royal Trophy for the game of golf in Asia and the region.

"I hope all the Thai golf fans will come out this weekend to support our team as it is a big occasion for us."

After the morning Foursomes matches, four Fourball duels will be played on Saturday afternoon, followed by the second and final day session of eight singles. The Royal Trophy offers a total prize fund of US$1.5 million, with the winning team sharing $1 million and the runners-up sharing $500,000.

The Royal Trophy is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour Organisation and European Tour. The trophy was donated by the King of Thailand.

January 7, 2006