Europe surge into lead

Holders Europe raced into the lead on the opening day of the Royal Trophy on Friday with Jose Maria Olazabal's side winning three of Friday's four foursome matches against Asia.

It could have been a 4-0 whitewash but playing captain Olazabal hooked his tee shot on the 18th out of bounds and he and Spanish partner Miguel Angel Jimenez conceded the hole to finish square with South Korean duo Kim Kyung-tae and Yang Yong-eun.

Olazabal was happy with the efforts of his seven team-mates in the alternate shot format as they took a commanding 3.5-0.5 lead in the annual contest.

Olazabal will be confident his side can retain the title needing only four-and-a-half more points from Saturday's four fourball matches and Sunday's eight singles.