Europe on track for EurAsia title

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Europe will enjoy a four point advantage over Asia on the final day of the EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Following a poor first day at where they failed to score, Asia bounced back from the 5-0 setback in the fourballs to take three of the foursomes matches on Friday.

Thongchai Jaidee’s side eventually enjoyed success through Prayad Marksaeng and Kim Hyung-sung who beat Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen 4&3 while Anirban Lahiri and Siddikur Rahman prevailed over Joost Luiten and Victor Dubuisson on the 18th, with two matches finishing all square.

Europe’s only winners were Graeme McDowell and Jamie Donaldson, who came from behind for the second match in succession to beat Gaganjeet Bhullar and Nicholas Fung 2&1.

European captain Miguel Angel Jimenez helped deny Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat victory in the opening contest.

Jimenez saved the day with two eagles at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club before a brilliant approach to the final green set up Pablo Larrazabal for a birdie.

“At the end of the day I am happy,” Jimenez said.

“We managed to half a couple of matches and win another one. It was a tough day in the heat and Asia played very well today. At one point it looked like it was going to be the opposite of yesterday.”

“It’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow,” Jimenez added. “We must stay focused and try to win the points as soon as possible.”

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Stephen Gallacher also halved their match with Koumei Oda and Hideto Tanihara thanks to a birdie on the 17th, although the European pair missed another birdie chance on the last to win having let slip a three-hole lead.

Heading into the final day Europe need just three and a half points from the 10 singles matches to secure overall victory at the inaugural event.

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