Europe hang on to beat Asia in Royal Trophy

CHONBURI, Jan 10 (Reuters): Europe survived a thrilling final-day fightback to beat Asia 8-7 today and lift the Royal Trophy for a third time.

Europe led Asia by a point going into the final day and came from behind in a dramatic singles competition that went down to the final hole to deny Asia a second successive victory in the matchplay competition.

Swede Henrick Stenson sank a nervy par putt from six feet to win the hole and halve his match after Thai favourite Thongchai Jaidee missed his chance to force a sudden-death playoff.