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Golf

Royal Trophy captain Jose Maria Olazabal has reiterated that he is not yet thinking about leading Europe in the Ryder Cup.

The Spaniard takes charge of the European team in the third edition of the Ryder Cup-style team event against Asia, succeeding his friend and compatriot Seve Ballesteros, who is recovering from a series of operations after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Like Ballesteros, Olazabal, who is troubled by rheumatism, has vowed to return to full health and is targeting a playing return rather than the top job at Celtic Manor in 2010.

The 42-year-old, who was Nick Faldo's vice-captain at the 2008 Ryder Cup in Valhalla, said: "I'm just concentrating on this week.

"I'm not thinking about the Ryder Cup captaincy at the moment - I'm more concerned about my health.

"I'm not 100%. I still have a few things going on but hopefully everything will be clear shortly and I'll be able to play competitive golf again soon."

Olazabal, who has won two majors, and Ballesteros formed the most formidable pairing in Ryder Cup history with 11 wins and two halves from 15 matches.

Olazabal believes his vast experience and his intricate knowledge can help lead Nick Dougherty, Johan Edfors, Niclas Fasth, Soren Hansen, Pablo Larrazabal, Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley and Oliver Wilson to victory over Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki's Asian side.

"The good thing about me being captain is that I'm old enough to have played with most of these guys," added Olazabal.

"I know the players quite well and we've known each other for many years."

McGinley, Sandy Lyle, Migel Angel Jimenez and Ian Woosnam have been mentioned as candidates for the captaincy in Wales, with the European committee meeting in Abu Dhabi next week to discuss Faldo's successor.

For now, Olazabal's focus is on events at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, which begin with tomorrow's foursomes.

Ballesteros was the visionary behind The Royal Trophy - an annual matchplay contest between Europe and Asia - and was the victorious captain in the first two events, in 2006 and 2007.

The 51-year-old, who also led Europe to Ryder Cup glory in 1997, will however not be attending the third edition of the event - the tournament was cancelled in 2008 after a death in the Thai Royal family - as he continues his recovery at home in Bilbao, northern Spain.

Ballesteros' nephew, Ivan, read a letter from the five-time major winner which reiterated his determination to make a full recovery.

"I will keep fighting and doing all in my heart and in my head to win my most difficult match," the letter read.

Olazabal, who was visibly moved as the letter was being read, revealed he has been in regular contact with Ballesteros and that his compatriot's indomitable spirit remains.

"His only instructions were to win," added Olazabal.

Europe triumphed in a one-sided contest 12 1/2-3 1/2 in 2007, but Ozaki believes his Asian side can win for the first time.

"I was disappointed with the result of the last one, but I want revenge and I want to beat Jose Maria's team very badly," said Ozaki.

Thai duo Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng are joined by Charlie Wi, SK Ho, Liang Wen-chong, Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara and Toru Taniguchi in the Asian team.