Lahiri, Thongchai to shoulder Asian hopes

Captain Jeev Milkha Singh on Tuesday unveiled a line-up featuring Asian Tour number one Anirban Lahiri of India and Thai star Thongchai Jaidee to shoulder Asia’s hopes in next month’s EurAsia Cup.

Also qualifying for the Asia team are India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia, Japan’s Shingo Katayama, Malaysia’s Danny Chia, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, and Korean duo K.T. Kim and Byeong Hun An.

Singh named Malaysian Nicholas Fung, China’s Wu Ashun, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and Korean Jeung Hun Wang as his captain’s picks for the second edition of the new Ryder Cup-style matchplay event.

Said Jeev on Tuesday, “I am delighted to unveil my team which comprises a great mix of in-form golfers, established names and rising stars of the game in Asia

“To underscore the strength of Team Asia, six of my team members — Thongchai, Kiradech, An, Anirban, Kim and Shingo — are ranked in the top-60 of the Official World Golf Ranking which is a fantastic reflection of the strength of the game in Asia.

“I believe we have assembled a very strong team capable of defeating Team Europe after the thrilling 10-10 draw in 2014. That will be our mission next month — to win the EurAsia Cup.”

On picking Jeung in his squad, the Indian golfing icon said: “Wang is one of the most exciting young golfers to emerge and he missed out on the team by one rung on the Order of Merit, so I felt he deserved a pick. Then, there’s Prayad who continues to defy age by winning twice in Asia and Japan this season and Wu showed his worth by winning his home Open on the European Tour this year.”

Asia will face a Europe team captained by Darren Clarke and featuring Ryder Cup veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, along with fellow Englishman Danny Willet and France’s Victor Dubuisson.

Europe and Asia will both be trying to win the EurAsia Cup for the first time after the draw last year in the inaugural edition at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Malaysia.

The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with Day One showcasing six fourball matches, followed by six foursomes matches and 12 singles matches on the third day.