Kiradech Aphibarnrat, accompanied by his enthusiastic dad and little sister, arrived at the driving range much earlier than the other Asian stars, aimed at the trees and started hitting.
The family, no doubt, was looking forward with great anticipation to the match-up with Nicolas Colsaerts, the Belgian with a big swing and reputation for steely nerves.
Little did the Thai know that his day was about to be turned upside down as he switched to the practice green and watched as Jose Maria Olazabal approached him.
The Europe captain came to apologise to him for withdrawing from the match against Bae Sang-moon after his neck injury showed no sign of improving. The decision affected the young Thai as his name was captain Naomichi Ozaki's pick to sit out the singles session if any of the Europeans were injured or unfit.
That meant Bae had to switch from his scheduled meeting with Olazabal to take Kiradech's spot opposite Colsaerts in the second match.
The 23-year-old took the earth-shattering news with typical Thai grace and dignity. "I am very disappointed of course, but I cannot argue with captain Ozaki's decision."
The former world junior champion knows that he is one of the least experienced members of the Asian team and he has hardly set the course alight in the last two days.
"I know I did not play as well as I can in the Fourball matches, so perhaps it was not a surprise that my name went in the envelope.
"But I will not let that affect me. I have gained a lot of experience from playing for Asia over the first two days, and I am sure it will help me to become a better golfer.
"We all have to endure disappointments in golf, and it is how you react to them that is important. I will spend the day cheering on my team-mates, hoping they can give me something to smile about," he said and climbed onto the cart to go and cheer Bae.
Olazabal said he had taken the decision to withdraw reluctantly. "I think everyone could see I was in pain during my fourball match, and I had intensive treatment on Saturday night and this morning.
"We heard something click in the final course of treatment, and the tightness in my neck felt as if had eased slightly so I was hopeful of playing.
"When I went to the driving range and started hitting sand wedges there was no reaction - but when I moved on to a seven iron I was getting shooting pains in my neck.
"By the time I tried hitting three irons and my driver I could see
there was no point in continuing. I simply could not move my neck enough to hit the ball properly.
"I am extremely disappointed. Everyone knows how much respect I have for the game of golf, for my opponents, and for this competition.
"Pulling out of a match is not a decision I would ever take lightly.
"If this had been a stroke play tournament, and I was playing only for myself, I might have tried to play through the pain. If that meant shooting 80, then I would be the only one to suffer.
"But I am part of a team, with the added responsibility of being the captain, and to risk throwing away a point because of selfish pride would be unthinkable.
"I sought out Joe as well as Bae Sang-moon and Kiradech and told them all I could not apologise enough - but it really was unavoidable.
"We have the system of sealed envelopes for such an eventuality, and at least both teams has a half point apiece, so it leaves everything to play for."
Ozaki said he found it tough to break the news to Kiradech. "Every time I put a name in the envelope I hope it will not be needed, and that the player will never find out who I chose.
"The envelope had to be opened this time, and I took Kiradech to one side and told him how sorry I was.
"It was one of the hardest things I have had to do as the Asian captain. Making this choice is possibly the worst part of the job.
Having to act on it makes it even harder," the Japanese said.
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/17/royal-trophy-triumph-tinged-with-disappointment-for-kiradech/
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