Asia successfully defended the Visa Dynasty Cup in convincing fashion after overcoming Japan in the 12 singles showdowns on a glorious final day shootout at Mission Hills Golf Club, China.
Hsieh Min-nan's team, who took a one point lead into the final day, magnificently rose to the challenge, winning six matches, halving four and conceding only two defeats to the Japanese team skippered by Isao Aoki.
The final scoreline read 14 ½ to 9 ½ in Asia's favour, a stunning result against a Japan team boasting the likes of World Number 24 Shigeki Maruyama, Shingo Katayama and Tomohiro Kondo.
Asian debutants Mardan Mamat and Angelo Que were the team's heroes. Singapore's Mamat pulled off a 3 & 1 victory over Toru Suzuki to ensure that Asia would not lose the Visa Dynasty Cup before Filipino Que rattled home a 15-footer for par on the 18th green to seal a one-hole win over Hideki Kase and give Asia their winning point.
"Japan brought out a good team this time after losing in 2003 but we showed that we are strong. I'm very happy with my players. Winning for the second time proves that Asian golf has a high standard. We kept fighting and never gave up. That was the key to victory," said a jubilant Hsieh.
Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand gave the title holders a dream start in the top singles, playing steadily to eke out a 2 & 1 success over Takuya Taniguchi. As expected, the other matches were touch and go, which resulted in four matches being halved and three others ending in one-hole finishes.
Asia's other singles winners were Thailand's Thammanoon Srirot, Prayad Marksaeng and local hero Zhang Lian-wei, who beat Maruyama in the last match 3 & 2. It extended Zhang's terrific streak in Asia's equivalent to The Ryder Cup, winning all his six matches in two editions.
After Boonchu's first strike, Asia picked up further points from Thammanoon, who beat Ryoken Kawagishi 4 & 3. Thaworn Wiratchant halved his match with Tomohiro Kondo, Amandeep Johl shared the spoils with Hiroyuki Fujita, Prayad beat Katsumasa Miyamoto 4 & 2 and another debutant Mo Joong-kyung earned a half point with Takashi Kamiyama.
It was left to Mamat, who qualified for the Open Championship last week, to earn Asia their 12th point, which was the mark needed to retain the trophy. The Singaporean number one was three down after the first three holes but fought back like a true warrior to secure a 3 & 1 victory over Toru Suzuki.
Aoki was disappointed to be on the losing side again. "This time, it was a little better than the first time. I am frustrated but the players are feeling it more than I. Obviously the Asian team was better. My players have to get used to condition of the course more. This is difficult golf course especially on the putting greens," said the Japanese golf legend.
Final Score: Asia 14 ½ Japan 9 ½
Singles Results (Asian Team first, Asia won 8-4)
Boonchu Ruangkit bt Takuya Taniguchi 2 & 1
Thaworn Wiratchant vs Tomohiro Kondo All Square
Amandeep Johl vs Hiroyuki Fujita All Square
Mo Joong-kyung vs Takashi Kamiyama All Square
Angelo Que bt Hideki Kase 1 hole
Thammanoon Srirot bt Ryoken Kawagishi 4 & 3
Mardan Mamat bt Toru Suzuki 3 & 1
Prayad Marksaeng bt Katsumasa Miyamoto 4 & 2
Thongchai Jaidee vs Tetsuji Hiratsuka All Square
Liang Wen-chong lost to Keiichiro Fukabori 1 hole
Jyoti Randhawa lost to Shingo Katayama 1 hole
Zhang Lian-wei bt Shigeki Maruyama 3 & 2
