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China's Liang earns spot on Asia's Royal Trophy team
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-30 16:41
BANGKOK - China's Liang Wenchong has been selected to represent Asia in next year's Royal Trophy matchplay contest against Europe, organisers said on Thursday.

Liang Wenchong from China tees off on the first hole to start the first round of the Scottish Open golf tournament at Loch lommond near Glasgow, Scotland July 10, 2008. [Agencies]

Liang, who won this year's Indian Open and topped the 2007 Asian Tour order of merit, joins Thai Prayad Marksaeng as the first two players on captain Joe Ozaki's eight-man team. "This is a moment of great exhilaration for me for making the Asian team," Liang, 30, said in a statement.

"I know a lot of the European players from playing on the European Tour... I know how high the standards are in Europe and how many great players they have to choose from.

"But that will only make it even that much more special the first time we beat them."

Ozaki said he was impressed with Liang's coolness under pressure, adding: "I am sure he will be a key player in our bid to beat Europe for the first time and I am happy to welcome him onto the Asian team."

Europe won the first two editions of the Royal Trophy since the inaugural competition in 2006. This year's contest was postponed following the death of Thai Princess Galyani Vadhana, the sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who donated the trophy.

The 2009 edition will again be played at the Amata Springs Country Club in Chonburi, east of Bangkok, from January 9-11.