COLIN MONTGOMERIE highlighted the importance of Europe making a winning start to a Ryder Cup year as he led his continent to victory over Asia to reclaim the Royal Trophy.

Asia have made a solid start to their defence of the Royal Trophy as they held the lead midway through the opening day's foursomes.

COLIN MONTGOMERIE is eager to get the 2010 Ryder Cup year off to a positive start as he prepares to lead a European team looking to reclaim the Royal Trophy from Asia in Thailand this week.

Colin Montgomerie is eager to get the 2010 Ryder Cup year off to a positive start as he prepares to lead a European team looking to reclaim the Royal Trophy from Asia in Thailand this week.

Jose Maria Olazabal has asked for more time before deciding whether he will captain the European team in the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

Asia were on the brink of a memorable victory over Europe in The Royal Trophy midway through the final day at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

Jose Maria Olazabal has reiterated his desire to play in the 2010 Ryder Cup but admitted he would consider the European captaincy.

Jose Maria Olazabal has called for a “special” performance as his European team seek to overturn a five-point deficit to defeat Asia and extend their 100% record in The Royal Trophy.

Asia were in the ascendancy midway through the opening day’s foursomes at The Royal Trophy as Europe squandered early advantages.

IRELAND’S Paul McGinley says there is an underlying desire within the European team to win The Royal Trophy this week in honour of the absent Seve Ballesteros.

The Royal Trophy is set to return for its third edition in Thailand in January, a year after the match-play event between Asia and Europe was postponed following the death of the sister of the King of Thailand.

Europe retained the Royal Trophy as Paul McGinley put himself in an unbeatable position in his match-u with Asia’s Thaworn Wiratchant as the Irishman took an unassailable three hole lead with only three left to play at the Amata Spring Country Club.

Europe continued to dominate the Royal Trophy midway through the second day’s play as Seve Ballesteros’ team led Joe Ozaki’s Asian side in two of the four fourball pairings at the Amata Spring Country Club.

Ryder Cup team-mates Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley will be back playing for Europe in the Royal Trophy in Bangkok in January.

Henrik Stenson proved the hero for Europe as they saw off a spirited fightback from Asia to claim the inaugural Royal Trophy 9-7 at Amata Spring Country Club, near Bangkok.

Europe’s golfers made a strong start in their bid to claim the inaugural Royal Trophy but were faced with the prospect of a fightback from Asia this morning.

SEVE BALLESTEROS is determined to make it a hat-trick of wins as captain when he leads Europe against Asia in the Royal Trophy in Thailand.