GOLF : SEVE IS FULLY FOCUSED

Spaniard is confident of his champions

The insecurity in Bangkok after the recent bomb blasts will not be on the minds of captains Seve Ballesteros and Joe Ozaki when Europe and Asia square off for the Royal Trophy at the Amata Spring Country Club tomorrow.

Spaniard Ballesteros, who orchestrated the European campaign in the inaugural edition last year, is back in town and he is so determined to spearhead Europe's title defence that he is not even aware of the bomb scare and coup rumours that have been swirling in the capital for more than a week.

Ozaki, a winner of 35 tour titles, has been tipped off about the situation here but that will not stop him from succeeding countryman Masahiro Kuramoto as the Asian skipper.

"I know about what is going on but every thing looks fine to me. Also I'm too busy with this responsibility to pay attention to anything else," said the 40-year-old Japanese, a two-time Japan Tour Order of Merit winner.

Ballesteros appeared a little astonished when he first heard from The Nation about the bombing incidents on New Year's eve in the city. However, to him, the atmosphere in Bangkok now was no different from 12 months ago when he celebrated the Royal Trophy triumph with his squad.

"Every thing looks good and under control like last year. I'm glad to be back again and I'm looking forward to the matches," said the five-time Major champion who hails from Pedrena, Spain.

With five of his players coming from the Ryder Cup line-ups last year, the European captain has a reason to believe that his side will hold all the aces going into the match-play format. At the same time, he is prepared for the Asian players to cause some stir like last year when Kuramoto's side staged a tenacious fight-back from 2-6 before narrowly surrendering at 7-9.

"The Asian team has good players and champions. Last year, they fought back well and made it difficult for the European team. But my players are all champions," said Ballesteros, who will decide the pairings based mainly on the compatibility of his men.

The pressure will be on Ozaki as he has never before captained a team and forgot to ask for some tips from his predecessor Kuramoto.

"I have no idea how Kuramoto captained the team last year but I will do it my own way," said Ozaki, who said he was not intimidated by the big names in the European line-up.

"They are all big boys and strong. But some of my players have been competing in the US and European tours and they are all in great shape. I'm confident about my team this weekend."

Although he pointed out communication as the main barrier for his team, which consists of golfers from three nations, Ozaki is willing to take a risk by mixing players in his pairings.

"If you come to our room, you will be surprised to see that all the players get along well and talk a lot. So there should be no problem," the Japanese said.

Five representatives who helped the Europeans prevail over the US team in the 2006 Ryder Cup are Robert Karlsson, Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood and the dangerous Henrik Stenson who sank the winning putt for his team both in the Royal Trophy and Ryder Cup last year. The other players are Niclas Fasth, Johan Edfors and Anthony Wall.

Englishman Westwood, holder of the record of six European titles in one year in 2000, said he preferred to pair up with close buddy Irish Clarke along side who he has played in the Ryder Cup. Though impressed by the layout and greens at the Amata Spring, he mentioned the blustery conditions as a factor that could hamper his play.

"Even there are strong winds in Europe but the winds here will make it difficult. I don't think European players will have an advantage because players like [Jeev Milkha] Singh and SK Ho also play well under these conditions," Westwood said.

The three musketeers - Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wirantchat, both former Asian No 1s, and Prom Meesawat, the team's youngest member - will carry the Thai flag into the event. Also playing for Asia are current Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Singh, YE Yang, Ho of South Korea, Toru Taniguchi and Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan.

The in-form Thongchai will try to bury the memory of losing his singles match against Stenson, which eventually decided the outcome. Coming from a strong season-ending victory in the Volvo Masters in December, Thongchai brims with confidence.

"I have been putting well and hitting good iron shots lately. The most important thing for me is to keep my confidence high and enjoy the game along with my partner," said Thongchai, who reigned in the Asian circuit between 2003-2004.

His partner last year, Thaworn, was straightforward about his team's chances, citing strong winds would benefit the visitors.

"The windy condition is like in Europe so I don't think we stand a good chance here. I've been through this tournament last year and am not nervous. I could play with anyone that the captain will pick," said the 2005 Asian Tour No 1.

Ballesteros and Ozaki will nominate the pairings for tomorrow's foursome play at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumwit Hotel today at 7pm. Saturday is set for four-ball format and Sunday for singles competition.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation
Thursday January 11, 2007