Organisers hit back at criticism of inaugural EurAsia Cup

Organisers of the EurAsia Cup hit back at criticism of the inaugural Ryder Cup-style team event yesterday, saying the competition had the backing of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation.

Earlier, Royal Trophy co-managing director Ivan Ballesteros called the new event "an act of aggression" from the European Tour and the Asian Tour.

Ivan, who helped set up the Europe v Asia Royal Trophy competition with his late uncle Seve, called the first round of the EurAsia Cup yesterday “a very sad day for golf”.

However, the European Tour and the Asian Tour issued a joint statement to say the Seve Ballesteros Foundation charity fully supported the event being staged in Kuala Lumpur.

“The EurAsia Cup will provide a new platform to continue the considerable charitable work already undertaken on behalf of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation,” read the statement.

“Since 2010 the European Tour has raised over £1.2 million for the foundation and that figure will be added to following the playing of the EurAsia Cup.

“To that end the Seve Ballesteros Foundation fully supports the EurAsia Cup through its position as official charity. The foundation . . . is run by Seve’s children and heirs Javier, Miguel and Carmen,” added the statement.

According to a report in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper last month, five-times Major champion Seve had asked the European Tour not to proceed with the EurAsia Cup.

Europe, captained by Seve's fellow Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, led Asia 5-0 at the end of the first day's play. Pablo Larrazabal hailed an "amazing" performance from Jimenez as the captain led by example to inspire Europe.

Jimenez put himself out in the first match with fellow Spaniard Larrazabal in Kuala Lumpur and was the star of the show in a 2 and 1 victory over opposing captain Thongchai Jaidee and fellow Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat.