Prayad Marksaeng has crowned a memorable golfing year by becoming the first player to be named in what is certain to be a star-studded line-up to represent Asia at the third edition of the Royal Trophy.

The hugely popular Thai golfer who will be making his debut in the prestigious Championship played between the finest players from Asia and Europe was tipped early in his golfing career by the great Greg Norman as a star of the future - due in no small part to his trademark 'silky smooth swing'. Prayad's two victories in the competitive Japan Tour this year brought his professional career titles record to a total of nine and raised his confidence to new heights.

Prayad's astronomical success over the past two years played a significant role in making Asian Team Captain Joe Ozaki's selection easier. The highly experienced golfer brought the curtain down on the 2007 season with a fantastic win at the Masters of Asia event on home soil - consolidating his position as one of the Continent's most formidable competitors.

He has further reinforced that view with some terrific performances this year, including the back-to-back victories on the Japan Tour - at the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup and the Mizuno Open.

But possibly his most eye-catching effort took place outside of Asia at one of golf's Majors - the US PGA Championship - where he fought through a field of the world's best golfers to secure a share of 15th place. His terrific third round 68 at the notoriously difficult Oakland Hills course was recognized as one of the best rounds of the tournament, and earned him a tremendous ovation from the American galleries.

Prayad admits he is hoping for a similar reaction from his home supporters at the pristine Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok from January 9-11, as he bids to help Asia prevail over the mighty Europeans for the first time. He said: "It is a great honour to be selected by our Asian Team Captain Joe Ozaki, and I will do everything in my power to justify his faith in me.”

"I know I will be able to count on massive home support, and I will be trying to feed off that. I am so excited by the prospect of playing in the Royal Trophy, the three months until we tee off will probably feel like two years! Playing for Asia is undoubtedly a huge responsibility but also an immense opportunity. I am so proud to be part of the Asian Team.”

Prayad who is one of the longest hitters in Asian professional golf averaging 291 yards off the tee added: "I have had a very good year in 2008, and it has just got even better with my selection for this remarkable Event.”

"I feel I have played well on both the Asian and Japan Tours and have also gained invaluable experience competing in Europe and America. Hopefully, that has made me a more complete player which will help me compete against the Europeans. I know we will face an extremely difficult task against the European Team which is always very strong since they have so many great players to choose from.”

"But their Ryder Cup defeat against America last month, when everyone was tipping Europe to win for a fourth successive time, will only give our Asian Team an even greater impetus to fight very hard. We can see that they are not unbeatable. The Americans showed what is possible if you really bond as a team and refuse to be over-awed by reputations. That is the challenge that our Asian Team must meet head on as well.”

"Europe will clearly try to play their very best to avoid another loss so it promises to be a very hard-fought battle. Like everyone else I will be waiting eagerly to see what other players Captain Ozaki will select. I am very happy to know that I am in the Team. It is a terrific feeling!”

“But this is also a time of great apprehension in the entire golf family worldwide because of Mr. Seve Ballesteros hospitalization. Mr. Ballesteros is held in such a high regard and is loved by so many throughout the world. He has done so much for our sport and so much for sport. Through golf he has promoted many great human qualities such as fairness, determination and courage. We are all praying for him;” concluded Prayad Marksaeng.

Asian Team Captain Ozaki who has clearly stated his determination to do all possible to secure a win for Asia, said: "Prayad has had a tremendous year and has played very well in Japan, throughout Asia, in Europe as well as in the United States. He is a very experienced player and is very effective in a team match-play format. I am very confident that he will produce golf of great quality and deliver real value for our Asian Team."

“I am also confident that the Thai fans will give him great support and encourage him to prevail in his matches"; added the Japanese golfing giant.

"But we must remember that as we prepare for the third edition of the Royal Trophy, all of us golfers, athletes and sports fans around the world are deeply saddened by the health challenge Seve is facing. All of us in Japan, Asia and all around the world have enjoyed the privilege of seeing a true sportsman in Seve. He has inspired so many and touched the hearts of people all over the globe. We hold the deepest and strongest hope for his speedily recovery and wish the greatest strength to his family during this difficult time;" concluded Ozaki.

Seve Ballesteros, a five-time Major winner and holder of 87 career professional titles was hospitalized on October 6 after briefly losing consciousness at Madrid’s international airport. Over the past weeks the golfing giant known throughout the world for his imaginative style of play, enormous flamboyance and irresistible personality has undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor.
The Spaniard, a Ryder Cup legend having won 20 points from 37 matches and having also led Europe to victory as Captain at Valderrama in 1997, is a founder of the Royal Trophy and captained Europe to victory in the first two editions of the competition.o

The Royal Trophy Premier and Major Sponsors include Heineken, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), PTT, Siam Commercial Bank, Toyota (Thailand), Sodick (Thailand) and Advanced Info Service (AIS). For further Tournament information, please call +662 651 9499 or visit the official website www.TheRoyalTrophy.com. The third edition of the Royal Trophy will be held on January 9-11, 2009 at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand and is promoted by Entertainment Group Limited and Amen Corner.