Third time luck for Asia

The three-year long wait for Naomichi Ozaki's side was finally over when Asia, who had to eat humble pie on two occasions on their home course in 2006 and 2007, beat Europe 10- 6 despite the latter fighting back with 4 1/2 points in yesterday's eight singles matches.

With a big 6 1/2- 1 1/2 lead from the Foursomes and Fourballs, Asia needed just two points to assure themselves of a famous victory.

Their wish was granted when Prayad Marksaeng put it across a moody and sulking Pablo Larrazabal of Spain 5 and 4 and Japan's Toru Taniguchi defeated Sweden's Niclas Fasth 7 and 6. Asia's captain Naomichi Ozaki was on cloud nine as he danced to celebrate the team's victory but refused to be thrown into the pool as his team-mates had initially planned.

"Before I flew here, I was strongly determined to win. The team knew what I had in mind and they responded in a great fashion," said Ozaki who was captaining the team for the second time.

"I'm very happy right now. I will never forget this week. It's a dream come true. I love team Asia," said the captain who was not sure whether he would lead the team again next year.

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal had to swallow the bitter pill of losing on his first assignment as captain. Asia's fightback sent a stark warning to their European counterparts that it would no longer be a stroll in the park.

"The Asian team has raised the bar and we are going to have to come back angrier and more determined to really beat these guys," said Olly, who consoled his team that the experience would make them better players.

The two-time champions, Europe, put up some fight when Scot Paul Lawrie outplayed Chinese Liang Wen-chong 3 and 2 in the first match

 to trim down the deficit to 2 1/2 - 6 1/2. But the European revival halted when Prayad sank five birdies to widen the Asian lead to 7 1/2 before Tanaguchi sent home a 10-foot birdie on the 12th hole for 81/2 -2 1/2 and for the trophy

"It was a team effort, a three-day effort. I knew everyone was playing well in the matches and I knew I had to win my match to bring the Royal Trophy to Asia," said Tanaguchi.

Prayad was cruising almost the entire day except on the 11th hole when he sent the ball for a drink. Larrazabal argued heatedly about the location of the drop shot. But soon the matter was resolved.

"I was confident from the first hole. I was cool and calm. If I had become emotional, he would have liked it and played better," said Prayad.

Japan's celebrity Ryo Ishikawa was up and down all day before squaring with Denmark's Soren Hansen. The 17-year-old collapsed on the green in disappointment after missing a chance to win with a birdie attempt on the 18th hole.