The EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM, the biennial team contest between Europe and Asia, returns for a third edition at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur this week, as Team Europe seek to retain the title they won in comprehensive fashion in 2016.
Captain Thomas Bjørn has assembled a strong 12-player side to take on Arjun Atwal’s Team Asia, eight months before he also leads Europe in The Ryder Cup at Le Golf National.
1. Last time
Danny Willett clinched an emphatic victory for Europe in the last event. Eight of Sunday's singles matches were still out on the course when Willett scored Europe's fourth point of the day, propelling the visitors to a comprehensive 18½-5½ win in 2016. It was a first victory for Europe, after the inaugural event two years earlier ended in a 10-10 tie.
2. Strongest field yet?
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the reigning Race to Dubai Champion will represent Europe, Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, while Team Asia also includes the continent’s latest Order of Merit winner, Gavin Green of Malaysia.
All 12 members of Bjørn’s side are European Tour winners, including 2016 Open Champion and former European Number One Henrik Stenson, while Atwal has selected a team that boasts 11 European Tour titles, including multiple winners Kiradech Aphibarnrat and S.S.P Chawrasia.
3. New year, same venue
Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur has hosted every edition of the EurAsia Cup so far. The 7,004-yard, par 72 Garden Course, designed by American Max Wexler, features a rich array of flora, fauna and lakes.
4. Hot Ross
Europe’s Ross Fisher is the only player at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club this week with an unbeaten EurAsia Cup record – with 2½ points from 3.
5. Truly International
Seven nationalities are represented in the European team: Austria, Belgium, England, France, Ireland, Spain and Sweden. The Asian team features players from six countries: China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.
