Olly warns Trophy stars

Spaniard tells Europeans not to take Asia lightly

Last updated: 7th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Olly warns Trophy stars

Olazabal: 'Big responsibility'

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Jose Maria Olazabal has warned his players not to take the Asian team lightly when they take on Europe in the Royal Trophy this week.

The Spaniard, who takes over the captaincy from the absent Seve Ballesteros, says his young side need to be on their mettle for the season-opener in Bangkok against a team hungry for success.

Europe won the first two events between the sides before last year's abandonment, but Olazabal is aware of the emergence of several of the Asia team including Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng, who have made their mark on the European Tour.

"We're facing a different team and we have to concentrate fully this week," he said. "We have to focus on the Asians and we have to be on our toes. We don't know what they're capable of.

"But I respect the Asia team, they have players who are on form at the moment, at the top of their game, many of them have had wonderful seasons last year."

Experience

Former team members Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson have been replaced by the likes of Pablo Larrazabal, Nick Dougherty and Johan Edfors, but Olazabal can also call on the experience of ex-Ryder Cup players Paul McGinley and Niclas Fasth.

"I believe we have a very strong chance. I like my team, the Europeans are very strong and very skilled," he added.

"They may be a little rusty early in the season but we have a great mix of experience and youth.

"It's a big responsibility. I'm very excited but it's down to the players and my job will be to make them as comfortable as possible."

Olazabal is in the frame to take over the Ryder Cup captaincy in 2010 and is aware that victory this week will look good on his CV.

"(The Ryder Cup captaincy) is something in the back of my mind, I can't deny that. The result may be important, but what I want this week is to make the players comfortable and happy," he added.

Play gets under way on Friday with four games of foursomes, while Saturday the format turns to fourballs. On Sunday, eight singles matches take place in the mini-Ryder Cup competition.

Europe:
Paul McGinley, Oliver Wilson, Soren Hansen, Paul Lawrie, Pablo Larrazabal, Nick Dougherty, Niclas Fasth, Johan Edfors.

Asia:
Prayad Marksaeng, Liang Wen-Chong, Charlie Wi, Hideto Tanihara, Toru Taniguchi, SK Ho, Thongchai Jaidee, Ryo Ishikawa.