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Olazabal keeps the faith

Ozaki thrilled as Asia open up early lead

Last updated: 9th January 2009

Olazabal and Ozaki together on day one of the Royal Trophy

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European skipper Jose Maria Olazabal has stuck by his pairings despite falling 3-1 behind after Friday's opening foursomes at the Royal Trophy.

The Spaniard - captaining Europe in the absence of Seve Ballesteros - has opted to maintain the same line-ups for Saturday's crucial fourball matches.

That means that Paul Lawrie and Soren Hansen - the only European duo to win on Friday - will remain together, along with Paul McGinley and Pablo Larrazabal, Nick Dougherty and Oliver Wilson and Niclas Fasth and Johan Edfors.

The Europeans are bidding for a third straight victory in the event and Olazabal is confident his team can hit back over the remaining two days of competition.

"I believe in the boys," declared the Spaniard. "They didn't play up to their standards today but they're facing a tough challenge, a really tough challenge.

"There is no reason to change if I feel they are strong pairings - it's as simple as that.

"If the players don't feel comfortable, they are free to say so, but so far everybody is happy."

Olazabal had been quick to stress before the action got underway that Asia would prove a much sterner proposition this time around and, following a fine first day for the hosts, he reiterated that belief.

"We knew before it was going to be tough but obviously, with this start, things are going to be quite difficult," he continued.

"We're going to have to play really, really well in the next couple of days in order to win this event."

Ozaki in dreamland

Asian captain Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki was predictably delighted by his team's efforts and believes his players will now have the confidence to push on for a first victory in this the third edition of the event.

Europe had made the early running and were ahead in all four matches at one point, but Asia hit back in stunning style over the back nine and are now very much in the ascendancy heading into the weekend.

"My players played really well," said Ozaki, who presided over Asia's thumping 12½-3½ defeat last time out. "I feel like I'm dreaming now, especially after my past experience at The Royal Trophy.

"I'm very happy. My players now have the confidence for the next two days after today's good results."

Like Olazabal, Ozaki has retained the same partnerships for the fourballs, adding: "I learned from Seve that he never changed his pairings when his team was doing well.

"I think our players feel comfortable with today's pairings and that's why I've kept them.

"Our motivation to win this year's Royal Trophy is very strong."