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BANGKOK - Golfers from Australasia may feature at next year's Royal Trophy against two-time winners Europe following Asia's crushing defeat last weekend, organisers said yesterday.
Players from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands may be asked to represent Asia to raise the standard of next year's competition after the hosts were beaten 12-1/2 to 3-1/2 by the Ryder Cup champions.
A spokesman for the Royal Trophy organisers said it was a "real possibility" that Australasian players would be asked to take part.
Johan Edfors, a member of the European team, suggested to organisers that they follow soccer's lead and allow several non-Asian countries to play in Asian events to make them more competitive.
That would mean players such as Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy, of Australia, former world No 1 Fijian Vijay Singh and 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell, of New Zealand, would be available for selection.
"That would be great for the competition and great for us," Edfors said.
"Europe is clearly the best team in world golf at the moment and we would love to take on an Asian team which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific as well."
The Royal Trophy follows a Ryder Cup format and takes place annually.
The contest will be held in Thailand until 2010 before alternating between the two continents.
- REUTERS