IANS

Crans Montana (Switzerland), Sep 2: Asian golf opens a new chapter with its first jointly-sanctioned event in Europe - the Omega European Masters.

India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee will spearhead Asia's challenge at the Omega European Masters.

The $2.8 million event will become the first co-sanctioned tournament between the Asian Tour and European Tour to be staged on European soil. The region's leading stars are gathered at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club located in the Swiss Alps to take on Europe's finest.

Jeev said: "This is a great step for Asian Tour. Now, European audiences will get to see first hand the depth of Asian golf. And I am sure this is just the beginning."

India's Gaurav Ghei, who also playing in the event, added that the first co-sanctioned event in Europe will provide new opportunities for the region's rising stars and hoped that other events will follow suit.

"It's obviously a great opportunity for the Asian players to make a mark in Europe. We have established stars like Jeev, Thongchai and Chapchai who won co-sanctioned events in Asia. It'll be a great opportunity for the other guys to show their skills and talent," said Ghei.