Get ready for another Europe-Asia showdown

Professional Golf of Malaysia chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid (second left) holding the EurAsia Cup qith DRB-Hicom chief operating officer Datuk Mohamed Razeek Md Hussain (second right), European Tour deputy director of international policy Ben Cowen (right) and Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han (left) at the launch of the EurAsia Cup tournament.- Bernama

PETALING JAYA: A Ryder Cup-like showdown is expected at the EurAsia Cup at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from Jan 15-17.

DRB-Hicom Berhad will return as the presenting partner and the format will, like the Ryder Cup, see the team captains assuming non-playing roles.

Each team will also be represented by 12 players – an increase of two from the first edition.

There will now be six matches in each of the fourball and foursomes sessions over the opening two days, which is an increase of one match per session. A total of 12 singles matches, an addition of two from 2014, will be played on the final day.

The winning team will share the prize money of US$3.6mil (RM15.84mil) and the runners-up US$1.2mil (RM5.28mil).

Team Asia will comprise the top four Asian players in the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit as of Dec 14; the top four Asian players from the Official World Golf Ranking as of Dec 14; and four captain’s picks.

Team Europe will consist of the top 10 available players from the final 2015 Race to Dubai rankings plus two captain’s picks.

Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “Following a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural EurAsia Cup, I’m sure golf fans will be eager to watch Team Asia take on Team Europe once again come January.

“The format changes are designed to create even greater drama and excitement to the EurAsia Cup as there will now be more matches being played throughout the three days of competition.

“I would also like to thank the Malaysian government for its support of the game and also PGM and DRB-Hicom for their commitment towards the EurAsia Cup as our presenting partner.”

Keith Pelley, chief executive of The European Tour, added: “There is something special about team golf and I know the EurAsia Cup will add another chapter to that in January after such a memorable first edition.”

The first edition, held at the same venue last year, ended in a 10-10 draw.

-thestar online.