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Golf

Captain Jose Maria Olazabal is urging Europe to win the Royal Trophy against the stars of Asia for Seve Ballesteros.

Spaniard Olazabal, a two-time Masters winner, replaced his compatriot for the Ryder Cup-style event after Ballesteros stepped aside to recuperate from multiple surgeries to remove a brain tumour.

"The last instruction that I received from Seve was to win. Period," said Olazabal today.

"Seve showed how good he was as a player and then as a captain. I will try to follow him. These eight guys are great players and I'm positive that we will win which is our goal.

"I have every confidence in my players. They have shown they can play great golf under the gun but we respect the Asian team. It will be a tough match," he added.

Ballesteros, who mooted the clash of continents and captained the team to victories in 2006 and 2007 editions of the Royal Trophy, formed a formidable partnership with Olazabal in the Ryder Cup where they won 11 times and halved two matches from 15 encounters.

The Royal Trophy was postponed in 2008 following a period of mourning in Thailand due to the passing of the King's sister.

Olazabal will count on the experience of Ireland's Paul McGinley, undefeated in three Ryder Cup and two Royal Trophy encounters, to lead the European team against a Naomichi ‘Joe' Ozaki-led Asian side at Amata Spring Country Club.

The other members of the European side include English duo Oliver Wilson and Nick Dougherty, Sweden's Niclas Fasth and Johan Edfors, Scotland's Paul Lawrie, Denmark's Soren Hansen and Spain's Pablo Larrazabal.

McGinley said: "I was fortunate to play under a wonderful captain (Ballesteros) and I'm fortunate to play for Oli. We will treat the Asian team with respect. To win, we have to play really well but we have a strong team here."

Friday's opening session will see four foursomes matches being played, followed by another four fourball matches on Saturday and eight singles encounters on Sunday.

While Ballesteros recuperates at his home in Spain, he sent a message to both teams which was read out by organisers during the press conference.

"My heart and thoughts are with you. I will keep fighting to win my most difficult match. I hope to be with all of you next year," said Ballesteros.

"Special thanks to Oli for taking over the captaincy. He is not only a great champion but is also one of my best friends," said Ballesteros.