Asian golf sensation Lee Dong-Hwan will become the youngest player to tee off in the Royal Trophy when he makes his debut against Europe's superstars next month.

Lee, who was 20 in April, is more than two years younger than the previous record-holder, Thailand's Prom Meesawat, who overcame his lack of experience in playing at a team event of the level of the Royal Trophy to earn a half in his singles clash against Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke at the second edition of the Championship earlier this year.

Korean phenomenon Lee took the Japan Golf Tour by storm this year, his first as a professional, claiming a share of third place in his maiden event, the Token Homemate Cup, winning the Mizuno Open on only his eighth start, and then following up with another third place at the prestigious Japan Golf Tour Championship.

He becomes the eighth player to be selected by Joe Ozaki, but the Asian Team Captain still has one selection left, as both the Asian and European Teams for the Royal Trophy will feature nine players. The amendment in format of the Royal Trophy, increasing the number of players to nine, is in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.

The people of Thailand have celebrated His Majesty the King's Eightieth Birthday earlier this month. His Majesty, the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-serving Monarch in Thai history, graciously donated the sixteen-kilogram solid-silver perpetual Royal Trophy in 2005 prior to the first edition of the Championship.

European Team Captain Seve Ballesteros eighth selection is Asian Open champion Raphael Jacquelin of France, who will relish a trip to the Continent where he claimed the biggest victory of his career.

Ballesteros said: "With one pick left to each of us it is clear that Joe Ozaki is putting together a formidable blend of youth and experience, with some very exciting players in both categories. We will have to compete very well to retain the Royal Trophy this time and I expect it to be a very exciting series of Matches."

Ballesteros European squad already includes plenty of experience with Ryder Cup stars Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Niclas Fasth and Robert Karlsson. Jacquelin admitted their presence on the team-sheet was a reassuring sight, and said he was delighted at the prospect of joining them as European standard bearers.

He explained: "Is a big thrill to be representing Europe alongside players of that caliber, and of course I am looking forward to returning to Asia and being reminded of my win earlier this year."

"My victory at the Asian Open took place in Shanghai but many of Asia's best players were competing, along with a lot of big names from the European Tour. Naturally, this gives me more confidence in facing the Asian Team. Team events like the Royal Trophy are exciting for the players as well as the fans, and I cannot wait to taste the atmosphere for the first time," added the Frenchman.

Like Jacquelin, Lee joins one of his countrymen in the Asian line-up in Charlie Wi and the Korean duo could easily find themselves playing together in the foursomes or four-ball matches. Lee would welcome that opportunity, but said he would be happy to play with any of the players already named by Captain Ozaki which includes the Japanese Top players Toru Taniguchi and Hideto Tanihara, the Thai trio of Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and Chapchai Nirat as well as Indian ace Jeev Milkha Singh of India.

Lee said: "As the youngest player on the Team I am very happy to have been selected. Being chosen to represent the whole of Asia is fantastic."

"My first season on the Japan Golf Tour was far more successful than I could have dared to hope for, especially as my win in the Mizuno Open earned me a place in the Open Championship at Carnoustie, which was a great experience."

"Major international competition can only make us, Asian golfers, stronger and the Royal Trophy is a wonderful chance to battle against top players - but this time in a team match-play format and representing the Continent. I will enjoy every minute of it, and will do my utmost best to help Asia win for the first time," added Lee.