Shah Alam (Malaysia): Indian golfers Anirban Lahiri and S.S.P. Chawrasia have been named in the Team Asia squad to be captained by compatriot Arjun Atwal, for the EurAsia Cup to be played here in January, it was announced on Tuesday.
World No.65 Lahiri, No.37 Yuta Ikeda of Japan, No.57 Li Hao-tong of China and No.59 Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand all earned their spot in Team Asia as the leading available Asians on the world rankings, according to an Asian Tour release.
Chawrasia, Thai teenager Phachara Khongwatmai, Poom Saksansin and Malaysia’s Gavin Green make up the leading four Asian players on the Order of Merit who qualified for Team Asia in the biennial event against Team Europe.
The event will be played at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 12 to 14, 2018.
South Korea’s Byeonghun An, who represented Team Asia in the second edition in 2016, will make his return to the team after being selected as a captain’s pick. Joining him as a captain’s wild card are Hideto Tanihara of Japan and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia who will make their third appearance in the EurAsia Cup.
Sunghoon Kang of South Korea, a winner on the Asian Tour, will make his debut after being selected as the final captain’s pick.
Team Asia will have a combined total of 58 titles won worldwide while six players in the 12-man team are still in their 20s. Phachara is the youngest at 18 and Tanihara is the oldest at 39.
“I’m proud to announce my team which is predominantly represented by young players. Most of them are still in their 20s but they have achieved huge success at a young age and have established themselves in the game,” said Atwal.
“Seven players in my team are ranked inside the top-100 on the Official World Golf Ranking and this underlines the strength of Team Asia. This is a strong team and it will be our goal to win the EurAsia Cup.”
“We will face a strong Team Europe but I have faith in every member in my team. I’ve already mapped out a game plan to keep the players motivated and battle-ready when the tournament starts,” said Atwal.
Atwal will rely on the experience of countrymen Lahiri, who represented Team Asia in the last two editions and Chawrasia who successfully defended the Hero Indian Open earlier this year.
“The knowledge of playing in team match-play is crucial and the experience of players like Lahiri, Chawrasia and Kiradech will be very important in the team. It is a nice mix of experienced and new players which have huge potential,” said Atwal.
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.(IANS)
