Wednesday, August 23 2006 10:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangkok: Spain's Seve Ballesteros will return to Thailand in 2007 to lead the European team in its bid to clinch the Royal Trophy for a second year.

The Royal Trophy will take place January 12-17, 2007 at Bangkok's Amata Spring Country Club. A team of Asia's leading golfers will attempt to outplay the Europeans, who claim a 9-7 victory during this year's inaugural tournament.

Ballesteros, who once again will act as a non-playing captain, says he is honoured to skipper the team for the second edition of the event.

"It's great for me to see Europe and Asia, two continents of tremendous cultural diversity and history, coming together for the tournament," five-time Major champion Ballesteros says. The Ryder Cup, where teams from the United States and Europe compete, inspires the Royal Trophy.

The 2007 Royal Trophy will consist of three different formats, foursomes (alternate shot) on the opening day followed by four-ball on day two and singles on the last day.

During the inaugural event in January this year, competitors includes Britons Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Paul McGinley and David Howell as well as Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn.

Asian stars includes Masahiro Kuramoto, one of Japans most decorated golfers, who captained a team including Thai heroes Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant and players from India, China, Japan and Korea.

The Asian captain for 2007 will be announced later this year, along with the rest of the team who will compete for the trophy donated by Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej.