Asia Stretch Surprise Lead Over Holders Europe

The Asians proved their overnight lead was no fluke after turning in another consistent showing to finish 3 ½ - ½ on Saturday.

Asia moved a step closer to a maiden Royal Trophy victory on Saturday, dominating the fourballs matches to open up a five-point lead over twice winners Europe.

The Asians proved their overnight lead was no fluke after turning in another consistent showing to finish 3 ½ - ½ on Saturday for a 6 ½ - 1 ½ overall lead against a European side that struggled for a second successive day.

Asia captain Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki was delighted with his side's impressive performance and said he "felt like dancing".

"I'm very happy with the situation right now," said Ozaki, whose team lost by a massive nine points in the previous edition.

"It's a big margin, but you never know what will happen. We have to keep up the momentum in the final matches."

Three of Asia's four pairings led right from the start, with Soren Hansen and Paul Lawrie the only Europeans to put up resistance on a windy day at the Amata Springs Country Club.

They led for 15 holes against Ryo Ishikawa and Toru Taniguchi and finished all square, but defeats in the next three matches presented Europe with an uphill struggle going into the final day's singles.

Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng and team mates Charlie Wi and Liang Wenchong showed the strength of their partnerships to post wins for a second day.

STUNNING PUTT

Liang, the Asian Tour champion in 2007, carded five birdies -- four in the first seven holes -- the most notable a stunning putt from 30 yards on the seventh, to seal a 3&2 win over Britons Nick Dougherty and Oliver Wilson.

"We played really well together but Liang made every putt he looked at," South Korean Wi told reporters.

"He really carried me. I'm really glad he was my partner."

Thongchai and Prayad beat Paul McGinley and Pablo Larrazabal 4&2 in another solid round for the Thai pair off the back of impressive recent form.

McGinley, who has won in all five of his Ryder Cup and Royal Trophy appearances, still looked rusty and failed to make an impact on a one-sided match dominated by the Thais.

"It was a good day today and I'm happy everyone else is doing so well," Thongchai said. "It's great for us to be winning."

Hideto Tanihara and S.K. Ho secured a 2&1 victory over Swedes Niclas Fasth and Johan Edfors, the latter having an ugly run of three straight bogeys to hand victory to the Asians.

Hansen and Lawrie, the only Europeans to win on the first day, had three birdies each in the first eight holes to keep their Japanese opponents at bay, but a decisive bogey by Lawrie on the 17th ensured a share of the spoils.

Europe captain Jose Maria Olazabal admitted his team had huge task to overhaul the Asians.

"We have a really tough test ahead of us because the Asians are playing so well," he said. "We're well behind but we need get up there really quickly to stand a chance of winning."