Continental pride and honor will
be at stake when the colossal Continents
of Asia and Europe collide in what
promises to be a battle for the ages
at the Royal Trophy 2009, held at
the exclusive Amata Spring Country
Club from January 9-11. Players will
be battling at the dawn of 2009 to
gain stewardship over the Perpetual
Trophy, graciously donated by His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Question:
You have had a terrific year in 2008
winning three tiles in the Japan Tour
including the highly prestigious Dunlop
Phoenix tournament. You were then
selected by Asian Team Captain Naomichi
‘Joe’ Ozaki to play for Asia at the
Royal Trophy. How do you feel?
Prayad Marksaeng:
It is a great honor to be selected
by Captain Ozaki, and I will do everything
in my power to justify his faith in
me.
Question:
Do you feel that your success in 2008
and the confidence you have gained
will help you at the Royal Trophy?
Prayad Marksaeng:
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 also 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.
Question:
Will the American win against Europe
in the Ryder Cup at Valhalla play
a role in this coming third edition
of the Royal Trophy matches?
Prayad Marksaeng:
Everyone was tipping Europe to win
the Ryder Cup for a fourth successive
time. The American win will only give
our Asian Team an even greater impetus
to fight very hard. We can see that
the Europeans are not unbeatable and
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.
Question:
The Thai people are proud to see you
win such a prestigious event as the
Dunlop Phoenix in Japan. How did you
feel succeeding at such an important
tournament?
Prayad Marksaeng:
Winning the Dunlop Phoenix title was
very special. It definitely gives
me tremendous confidence going into
the Royal Trophy. 2008 was an amazing
year for me and I am very much looking
forward to going into the Royal Trophy
in good form and with a high level
of confidence.
Question:
Could you say a few words about the
European Team?
Prayad Marksaeng:
The Europeans are always very strong
in team golf and have a lot of experience
in match-play. They will provide us
very tough competition but I feel
that our Team is also very strong
and that we will provide them a serious
test.
The stage is set, and the ‘creme
de la creme’ of professional golfers
from Europe and Asia are set to shine
at the third edition of the Royal
Trophy. The Majestic Event will feature
four foursomes matches on Friday January
9, followed by four four-ball matches
on January 10 and eight singles on
the Competition’s final Sunday. Play
starts at 11:00am on all three days
with play expected to conclude at
about 4:00pm. For Event or ticket
information please visit www.TheRoyalTrophy.com
or call 02 651 9499. |
