Seve proud after Asia victory - nephew

There is a small part of Seve Ballesteros that would welcome the end to Europe's 100% record at The Royal Trophy, according to the Spaniard's nephew.

The five-time major winner and Ryder Cup legend was the visionary behind the team matchplay event and led Europe to victory in 2006 and 2007.

Ballesteros missed the third edition of the event but was watching on television from his home in Bilbao, northern Spain, where he is recovering from surgery on a brain tumour.

Japan's Joe Ozaki led Asia to a 10-6 triumph over Jose Maria Olazabal's European side to exact a measure of revenge following the record nine-point drubbing inflicted by Ballesteros' side two years ago.

Although disappointed to see Europe's run ended, the matchplay maestro believes the Asian team's triumph shows the potential of The Royal Trophy.
"Of course Seve is European to the core," said Ivan Ballesteros, one of the competition's promoters.

"He will always be associated with great European victories in the Ryder Cup, as well as his individual triumphs. So any European defeat hurts.

"But part of him would have felt a glow of pride that his theory about what The Royal Trophy could do for Asian golf was starting to come true.

"Their richly-deserved victory has made the competition a much more level playing field.

"The days when Europe felt they merely had to turn up here with a half-decent team in order to win are clearly in the past."

The result has increased Ballesteros' desire to return in 2010 and reclaim the trophy.

"He feels the Asian players should be congratulated for their outstanding play," added Ivan.

"But he also said the result made him even more determined to overcome his health problems in time to be back next year to try to win The Royal Trophy back."