Hosts look to extend hold on King's Cup

Having won the tournament five times straight, from 2003, the hosts are the firm favourites in the annual event, which will be held from January 27 to February 2, at the VR Sport Club in Samut Prakan province.

However, the home team's mood was sombre after they had to settle for the bronze medal at the SEA Games, where they also started favourites.

The Thai team led by Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn, a member of Cup-winning sides in the past five years, are up against a more competitive field in the tournament this time.

This year's competition includes the United States, who will debut in the event, Australia, Brunei and Dubai. With the average handicap of participating sides being 8-12, the hosts face a tough challenge to retain the title.

Given that three players from Argentina, the sport's leading nation, will figure in the Thai team, Aiyawatt is confident of the lifting the trophy this year as well.

"I have been preparing for the tournament since the SEA Games. Even though I'm the only Thai member in the team, that would not be a problem as we have trained together for weeks," Aiyawatt said.

Thailand are pitted along with Dubai and USA in Group A while Australia and Brunei make up Group B, with the top team from each group making it to the final.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation