Asia thumps Europe, lifts maiden Royal Trophy

Bangkok:

Thai stalwart Prayad Marksaeng and Japan's Toru Taniguchi completed the formalities as Asia claimed the Royal Trophy for the first time after completing a stunning 10-6 triumph over Europe at the Amata Spring Country Club on Sunday.

Local favourite Prayad and Taniguchi delivered the two points required in the singles for an inspired Asia to complete an historic maiden victory in the clash of continents.

Europe, trailing by five points after the foursomes and fourball sessions, struck first blood when former British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland defeated Liang Wen-chong of China in the second tie of the day.

Smooth-swinging Prayad outplayed Spain's Pablo Larrazabal 5&4 to take Asia within the cusp of glory and then Taniguchi earned the winning point when he outclassed Sweden's Niclas Fasth 7&6 to give captain Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki his sweet revenge over an European side led by captain Jose Maria Olazabal.