Clarke Ready to Singh at Eurasia

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Captains Darren Clarke and Jeev Milkha Singh are predicting another close contest when the cream of Europe goes up against the might of Asia in the second edition of the EURASIA CUP presented by DRB-HICOM. 

The inaugural tournament in 2014 ended 10-10 after a thrilling final day fightback by the Asian team and, given how closely the sides are again matched this week, neither man would be surprised if it were to end in another draw at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. 

Clarke, who can call on the might of Ryder Cup veterans Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood in his 12-strong team, believes that whilst Europe may boast a marginally stronger line-up on paper, home advantage could prove pivotal for Singh’s side. 

He said: “We are playing in the Asian team’s backyard, so they are a bit more used to the heat and humidity than we are, which may give them a bit of an advantage. When the humidity comes with this sort of heat, it is quite oppressive. And it probably feels even hotter than the last time we were here. But with the co-sanctioned events we have in Asia, the Europeans do have experience playing here. 

“So it’s too close to call, and I think there’s a pretty good chance it could end in another draw. You have two very strong teams, and because it’s match play anything could happen. Hopefully it will be every bit as exciting as last time. Although I don’t know how our nerves will be at the end of the week!”

Those sentiments were echoed by Singh, who revealed it was an honour to be asked to follow Thongchai Jaidee as captain of the Asian team. 

Much like his predecessor, the genial Indian has vowed to adopt a relaxed approach to the role and will allow his charges to express themselves. 

“I believe in our players,” Singh said. “I know that all of them have the experience. They are used to the weather. They have played in Asia many times, and they play these kind of courses all the time.

“So I just basically have to make sure they are comfortable, happy, and relaxed. When all of these things are given to him, that’s when a player plays his best. And I don’t even have to tell them to try their best, because I know they are all going to give 100 per cent.”

The action gets under way on Friday with six fourball matches, followed by the foursomes on Saturday and concluding with Sunday’s 12 singles matches.

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Play set to resume at 16:40hrs

Play is set to resume at 16:40 at Royal Portrush with Jeev Milkha Singh the clubhouse leader on 7 under at The Irish Open, after a round of 65, before play was suspended due to bad weather at Royal Portrush.

The Indian carded eight birdies and a single bogey before a storm halted play for 95 minutes, with a 4.40 resumption scheduled.

“I think links golf, you have to hit a lot of low shots and you have to have a lot of imagination,” said the three-time European Tour winner.

“I think a lot of feel, imagination is required, and that's what I love about links golf. 

“The atmosphere and the feel to the golf course, I think is fantastic. I think it just feels great.”

Singh was one ahead of English pair Mark Foster and Andrew Marshall, as well as Australian Matthew Zions.

Watched by a sell-out crowd - a first for The European Tour in a regular event - that included First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy Martin McGuinness, Foster was first to post a six under par 66.

The 36 year old, a winner of only one title in more than 300 starts, said: "When we came to the course the rain was sideways and yet people were queuing to get in.

"It's amazing here and I've never heard a buzz about the course that there is in the players' lounge this week.

"It was throwing it down when we got up, but that was no surprise and you've just got to be professional about it.

"At least it was not that windy. But that will come - the course will show its teeth no problem."

He was six under through ten holes himself, rolled in a nine footer on the 13th, but bogeyed the 15th after chipping into a bunker and then hitting the flagstick with his recovery.

Singh reached seven under with six to play, bogeyed the short 14th, but closed with a birdie to go back to the top on his own with a 65.

Australian Zions, a winner in St Omer last year but without a top-20 finish this campaign, had four birdies in his last five holes and said: “I got off to a good start, which I seem to be doing a lot lately.

“It was just nice to kind of tie it all together today. I did everything good, I drove it really well. The course requires a lot of accuracy off the tee, and I drove it very, very well today.” 

That came just before play was suspended at 3.05pm because of an approaching storm - with Rory McIlroy two under after eight. 

It was announced that, even though it was still raining hard, play would be restarting at 4.40pm - a loss of 95 minutes.