Bangkok: Seve Ballesteros will mastermind Europe's bid to repel a concerted Asian challenge in the second staging of the Royal Trophy in Thailand this week.

The Spanish great, one of the driving forces behind the event's creation, is non-playing captain of the European team in the three-day matchplay extravaganza that tees-off on Friday.

Bangkok's acclaimed Amata Spring Country Club will host the showpiece that has been billed as the "Battle of the Continents".

"We are looking forward to strong competition from the Asian team. There is no doubt they will put up a highly spirited fight," said Ballesteros, who led Europe to a 9-7 victory in the inaugural edition of the event last year.

Like the Ryder Cup matchplay event between Europe and the United States, the Royal Trophy uses three different formats  foursomes (alternate shot) on the opening day followed by four-ball on day two and singles on the last day.

With five members of Europe's triumphant 2006 Ryder Cup team in his line-up, Ballesteros is confident he can inspire his charges to another victory.

Ireland's Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke, England's Lee Westwood and Swedes Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson, who secured the winning point in both the Royal Trophy and Ryder Cup last year, provide the backbone for Europe.

Despite facing such strong opposition, the Asian team, captained by Japan's Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki, are not daunted.

Spearheading their charge is Indian Jeev Milkha Singh, ranked 37th in the world after a breakthrough 2006.

"Last year I managed to win some very significant events and to prevail over some of the best players in the world. I will do my best to make a strong contribution to our Asian team," said Singh.

"To win the Royal Trophy against the Europeans right here in Asia would be fantastic," he said.

Joining Singh is Korean Yang Yong-eun, who defeated world number one Tiger Woods to win the HSBC Champions in Shanghai last November, and the Thai trio of Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat.

"Playing for your country is already a huge responsibility. Playing for your continent is truly special and I am looking forward to leading an Asian team which includes players from many of our strongest golfing nations," said Osaki.

"Facing the Europeans, who are the Ryder Cup holders and arguably the most potent force in world golf, is not an easy task," he said.

"But I am determined to motivate and lead our Asian team to produce some great golf and to make every effort possible to secure stewardship over the Royal Trophy," he said.

Ballesteros, a five-time Major champion and stalwart of Europe's Ryder Cup set-up for the best part of two decades, said it was important for golf to see Europe and Asia coming together for the tournament.

"We made history with the inaugural Royal Trophy. It was a very special tournament and I am confident that the Royal Trophy will grow into one of the world's great sporting competitions," he said.

Asian Team: Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki (JPN, captain); Tetsuji Hiratsuka (JPN); Hur Suk-ho (KOR); Prom Meesawat (THA); Jeev Milkha Singh (IND); Toru Taniguchi (JPN); Thaworn Wiratchant (THA); Thongchai Jaidee (THA); Yang Yong-eun (KOR)

European Team: Seve Ballesteros (ESP, captain); Darren Clarke (IRE); Johan Edfors (SWE); Niclas Fasth (SWE); Robert Karlsson (SWE); Paul McGinley (IRE); Henrik Stenson (SWE); Anthony Wall (ENG); Lee Westwood (ENG).