New Delhi:
A crucial cog in Asia's Royal Trophy title defence against Europe, Indian ace Jeev Milkha Singh is keen to strut his stuff in the match play format of the Ryder Cup-style tournament scheduled in Thailand from January 8 to 10 next year.
Nominated by Asian team captain Naomichi Ozaki as the sixth player for the side, Jeev said, "I am very excited to join the Asian Team for the fourth edition of the Royal Trophy. The Europeans will certainly have a very strong team but we are representing the Asian Continent and we will play with the corresponding passion, dedication and determination.
"I played at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain a few weeks ago and I feel very comfortable with the match play format. I am looking forward to a very competitive and exciting week in Thailand," the former Asian Match Play Championship winner added.
Jeev played in the Royal Trophy in 2007 and said his familiarity with the course would work to the team's advantage.
"This will be my second time playing at the Royal Trophy. I am familiar with the golf course at Amata Spring and I enjoy playing in Thailand. We will compete very hard to keep the Royal Trophy in Asia," said the Indian.
Jeev said he shares a good rapport with the rest of teammates Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng, Charlie Wi, Japanese global sensation Ryo Ishikawa and the Japan Tour's current number one ranked player Yuta Ikeda.
"It also is very positive that the Asian Team includes many players that I know well and that I have played with on Tour for many years like Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and Charlie Wi. We all feel comfortable with each other and I believe this will add greatly to our team spirit," Jeev said.
Five-time Major winner and European Team Captain Seve Ballesteros has already announced a powerful trio for the European challenge of the Royal Trophy with world number seven Henrik Stenson, 2008 European number one Robert Karlsson and current European number three Martin Kaymer.
Asian skipper Ozaki said Jeev's experience would help his team match up to the challenge.
"Jeev is a great champion and has won many titles in the Japan Tour, all around Asia as well as in Europe. He will bring great value and extensive experience to our Asian Team.
I am certain he will be a great asset in our efforts to defeat the Europeans and retain the Royal Trophy in Asia," he said.
The Royal Trophy will take place at the Amata Spring Country Club 7,470-yard course where Europe and Asia will compete in a Ryder Cup-format competition which includes foursomes, four-ball and singles matches.
The winning continent will be awarded stewardship of the solid-silver sixteen-kilogram Trophy donated by the King of Thailand.
Nominated by Asian team captain Naomichi Ozaki as the sixth player for the side, Jeev said, "I am very excited to join the Asian Team for the fourth edition of the Royal Trophy. The Europeans will certainly have a very strong team but we are representing the Asian Continent and we will play with the corresponding passion, dedication and determination.
"I played at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain a few weeks ago and I feel very comfortable with the match play format. I am looking forward to a very competitive and exciting week in Thailand," the former Asian Match Play Championship winner added.
Jeev played in the Royal Trophy in 2007 and said his familiarity with the course would work to the team's advantage.
"This will be my second time playing at the Royal Trophy. I am familiar with the golf course at Amata Spring and I enjoy playing in Thailand. We will compete very hard to keep the Royal Trophy in Asia," said the Indian.
Jeev said he shares a good rapport with the rest of teammates Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng, Charlie Wi, Japanese global sensation Ryo Ishikawa and the Japan Tour's current number one ranked player Yuta Ikeda.
"It also is very positive that the Asian Team includes many players that I know well and that I have played with on Tour for many years like Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and Charlie Wi. We all feel comfortable with each other and I believe this will add greatly to our team spirit," Jeev said.
Five-time Major winner and European Team Captain Seve Ballesteros has already announced a powerful trio for the European challenge of the Royal Trophy with world number seven Henrik Stenson, 2008 European number one Robert Karlsson and current European number three Martin Kaymer.
Asian skipper Ozaki said Jeev's experience would help his team match up to the challenge.
"Jeev is a great champion and has won many titles in the Japan Tour, all around Asia as well as in Europe. He will bring great value and extensive experience to our Asian Team.
I am certain he will be a great asset in our efforts to defeat the Europeans and retain the Royal Trophy in Asia," he said.
The Royal Trophy will take place at the Amata Spring Country Club 7,470-yard course where Europe and Asia will compete in a Ryder Cup-format competition which includes foursomes, four-ball and singles matches.
The winning continent will be awarded stewardship of the solid-silver sixteen-kilogram Trophy donated by the King of Thailand.
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