Ozaki - Out for revenge

Royal Trophy captain targeting a first-ever win over title holders Europe

Last updated: 9th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ozaki - Out for revenge

Ozaki: Out for revenge

I want revenge. I don't want to think about losing - I want to win badly this time.

Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki
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Watch day one's play from the Royal Trophy on Sky Sports 1 from 9.30am (GMT) on Friday

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Asia captain Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki wants revenge against Europe at the 2009 Royal Trophy.

The 52- year-old, who has won 32 titles on the Japan Tour, presided over a humiliating 12½-3½ defeat on his debut as Asia captain in 2007.

But with former Asian Tour champions Liang Wen-chong and Thongchai Jaidee, USPGA Tour player Charlie Wi, Japan Tour champion Toru Taniguchi and Ryo Ishikawa, Japan's youngest 'million dollar man', all in his arsenal for the matchplay event starting Friday, Ozaki is confident of emerging triumphant this time around.

Desire

"I want revenge. I don't want to think about losing - I want to win badly this time," Ozaki said.

"I want my players to show strength, to play aggressive shots and show fighting spirit.

"Two years ago I wanted a nice atmosphere in the team that could lead Asia to win.

"When we lost, I was so disappointed with the result and the players too. We didn't expect to lose like that.

"This time I'm going to focus only on the competition. The team needs to play better and we believe that if we focus, we can win."

Challenge

Jose Maria Olazabal's European team is looking to make amends for their 2008 Ryder Cup defeat against the United States though and Ozaki expects a tough test.

"They're still a strong team," he added. "They have quality players and they're very good at matchplay, with youth and experience.

"We want to be contenders but we have to prove our quality.

"The Royal Trophy is growing but our players have to show they can compete with these top players."

The event at the Amata Springs Country Club comprises foursomes, fourballs and singles action with live coverage on Sky from all three days of competition.