PREVIEW-Golf-Europe gear up for tough Royal Trophy defence

By Martin Petty

BANGKOK, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Still licking their wounds from last year's Ryder Cup defeat, Europe aim to mark their return to matchplay golf by completing a hat-trick of victories in this week's Royal Trophy against Asia.

The Europeans dominated the first two editions of the contest but Jose Maria Olazabal's side faces a stiffer test against an Asian team of 2008 tournament winners and former order of merit champions from the Japanese and Asian Tours.

Captain Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki considered quitting after Asia were trounced 12 1/2 - 3 1/2 in a lopsided 2007 contest but he now believes his team have a genuine chance of victory.

"That was my first time (as captain), but now I have experience," Ozaki told a news conference on Wednesday.

"It was so hard for the players to win a match. This time, we will show guts and spirit and play aggressively to beat the guys in front. That's what's important."

Olazabal makes his debut as captain in place of compatriot Seve Ballesteros, who underwent four brain operations at the end of last year.

He has retained three players from the 2007 edition, one of which is experienced Irishman Paul McGinley, who is unbeaten in all five of his appearances for Europe at the Royal Trophy and Ryder Cup.