Rotal Trohpy to be hosted in China for first time

HONG KONG, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Royal Trophy Golf Tournament will be held for the first time in China on December 20 to 22 at Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou, announced by Royal Trophy co-managing director Ivan Ballesteros on Tuesday.

"We are very pleased to announce that the next edition of the Royal Trophy will be held at Dragon Lake Golf Club in China. The previous edition of the competition was an enormous success with the Asian team producing a tremendous recovery and the two continents being engaged in a dramatic play-off. The hosting of the seventh edition of the Royal Trophy in China is very significant," said Ballesteros.

In last year's Royal Trophy, the Asian Team secured its second victory in the history of the competition, but only by a narrow margin of 9-8.

"We certainly expect an Asian team highly determined to retain stewardship of the Royal Trophy and a European side fully committed to regaining the title. It promises to be a truly historic occasion for golf and for Asian sport," said Royal Trophy co-managing director Lincoln Venancio.

The 7th Royal Trophy will be contested in a series of 16 foursomes, four-ball and singles matches between the Asian and the European team.

"The first hosting of the Royal Trophy in China is a historic event," said Nick Faldo, Royal Trophy players' committee member and six-time Major winner.

"The Royal Trophy players' committee is looking forward to a magnificent competition between Europe and Asia and a great showcase of continental team match-play golf."

"We are delighted with the selection of Dragon Lake Golf Club as the host venue for the seventh edition of the Royal Trophy," said Fei Fang, board director of Guangzhou Dragon Lake Golf Club. "The Royal Trophy is a fantastic event and we are very excited to host the very first edition of the matches played in China.

"Our Asian Games golf course will be presented in ultimate condition and we are looking forward to hosting this outstanding series of matches in Guangzhou."

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2013-05/21/c_132398233.htm