Indian golfer SSP Chawrasia, who finished fourth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season said that there is a good chance for team Asia to prevail over team Europe in the upcoming EurAsia cup. With Jeev Milkha Singh as captain of the 12-man team, Chawrasia is confident that they will have the upper hand in the tournament beginning on January 15.
The three-time Asian tour winner said, “Everyone in the team has the winning mentality and qualities. I'm really looking forward to doing my part and giving all our supporters a week to remember in Malaysia. Yes, it would also be very nice to experience that winning feeling abroad after much success at home. Winning the EurAsia Cup would be a good start to the New Year too," he said.
Hoping to lift his first title abroad, Chawrasia, who had finished in the top 10 for four consecutive years, still remembers the time when he wasn’t a part of the team in the inaugural edition of the Championships in 2014. However, he admits that it was a pleasant learning experience.
"We showed great character by coming back from 5-0 down on the opening day to draw with Europe. Nobody gave Asia a chance after day one but the team rallied together and did the unexpected," said Chawrasia, speaking about their exploits in the previous season.
The EurAsia cup this season will have 24 matches played out in three days. There will be six Fourball matches in day one and six Foursomes matches on day two. The final day, January 17, of the tournament will see 12 singles matches played out at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Malaysia.
Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, who holds nine titles on the region’s premier Tour talked about the joys of seeing the Asian team on the 18 green the previous season. “I hope that draw (the last year’s tournament ended in a draw) will now turn into a resounding victory for us next week," said the Thai veteran.
Asia’s chances this season look good with the likes of Japan's Shingo Katayama, Malaysia's Danny Chia, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Korean duo K.T. Kim and Byeong Hun An and number one rank holder Anirban Lahiri in the team.
The winning team this season will be awarded USD 3.6 million while the runners will take home a sum of USD 1.2 million.
