Golf's increasing popularity in Asia is being tapped by a new Ryder Cup-style contest at the weekend, pitching some of Europe's top players against the cream of Asia.
The Royal Trophy at Amata Spring Golf Club, Bangkok from January 7-8 will carry a $1.5 million prize fund and comprises 16 matches over two days involving foursomes, fourballs and singles.
It is the first time a combined Asian team has competed for a major prize in men's golf.
European captain Seve Ballesteros boasts 2002 Ryder Cup winners David Howell and Paul McGinley and has chosen Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam as his wildcards in an eight-man team.
"We have a very powerful European team," Ballesteros, Europe's victorious 1997 Ryder Cup captain, told reporters in a Bangkok news conference.
He added: "Nick and Ian bring tremendous experience while David and Paul are playing excellent golf right now.
"The pressure in team golf is unlike anything else in the sport; you are playing not only for yourself, but also your team, your continent and your fans."
McGinley arrives in Thailand having won the European Tour season's final event of the 2005 season, the Volvo Masters at Valderrama in Spain.
Howell beat an all-star field, including Tiger Woods, in November in Shanghai to win the Champions Tournament and pocket a €700,000 first prize.
Facing the Europeans will be a strong Asian lineup assembled under the stewardship of Japan's Masahiro Kuramoto, one of Asia's most successful golfers with 30 Japan Tour titles.
Leading Thai players Thaworn Wiratchant and Thongchai Jaidee as well as India's Jyoti Randhawa - the top three finishers on the Asian Tour Order of Merit - are also in the Asian team.
"I believe we have a very strong line-up," Kuramoto told reporters. "The eight players have produced some terrific golf over the past 12 months which is clearly reflected by their finishes on the Japan and Asian tours."
He added: "All the players are proven champions and I am confident we will put on a good show and challenge Europe for The Royal Trophy."
The trophy has been presented by the King of Thailand.
Europe: Thomas Björn (Denmark), Nick Faldo (Britain), Kenneth Ferrie (Britain), David Howell (Britain), Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland), Paul McGinley (Ireland), Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Ian Woosnam (Wales).
Asia: Thaworn Wiratchant (Thailand), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Jyoti Randhawa (India), Yasuharo Imano (Japan), Keiichiro Fukabori (Japan), Hur Suk-ho (South Korea), Arjun Atwal (India), Zhang Lian-wei (China).
