Olazabal puts faith in Fasth

Fasth (top) and Olazabal

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European captain Jose Maria Olazabal has made Sweden's Niclas Fasth the fifth selection for his eight-man Royal Trophy team to face Asia in January.

Fasth, 36, joins Paul McGinley, Oliver Wilson, Soren Hansen and Paul Lawrie in the European team for the event in Bangkok, Thailand on January 9-11, 2009.

The winner of six European Tour titles, Fasth was a member of Europe's successful Ryder Cup team in 2002 as well as being part of the triumphant European side in the 2007 Royal Trophy.

The Gothenburg native admitted he was delighted at the chance to represent his continent again, stating: "To play for your continent is a very special honor.

"I am really excited and proud to have been selected by captain Olazabal to play at the Royal Trophy and to have the privileged of wearing the European colors.

"Playing for Europe at the Ryder Cup and the Royal Trophy has been fantastic. These are truly memorable moments and I am very much looking forward to traveling to Thailand at the beginning of the year."

For his part, Olazabal spoke in glowing terms about Fasth, adding: "Niclas is a great player and is a very strong addition to our European Team.

"He has the experience of performing under great pressure and the confidence of being a winner of multiple Tour titles. Niclas will be a great asset for Europe at the Royal Trophy."

Europe won both previous editions of the tournament under the stewardship of captain Seve Ballesteros.

The 51-year-old Spaniard was scheduled to lead Europe again in 2008 before the event was cancelled after a member of Thailand's royal family died shortly before it was due to take place, prompting a period of national mourning.

Ballesteros has subsequently undergone major surgery to remove a brain tumour, being released from hospital last week, but has insisted he very much wants the Royal Trophy to proceed.