Singapore:  Underdogs Singapore return to the defence of the Prudential Causeway Trophy on June 6 when they host a Malaysian side raring to make amends for last year’s shocking defeat.

The three-day tournament will see the resumption of the long-standing sporting rivalry between the Causeway neighbours with the notoriously tough World Classic course at Laguna National Golf and Country Club set to host the Ryder Cup-styled match-up for the second year running.

Backed by leading life insurer Prudential Singapore, this year’s instalment will also also see the introduction of a Junior Causeway Trophy, pitting junior golfers aged 16 and below from both countries, two days before the tournament proper tees off.

Prudential Singapore chief executive officer Tomas Urbanec said: “Prudential is delighted to sponsor this unique sporting competition and to add a junior challenge this year. Professional-standard competitions like the Prudential Causeway Trophy allows local golfers to raise their profile and experience and help us spot and develop golf talent for the future,” ahead of the team announcement on Wednesday.

“We hope that the Prudential Causeway Trophy continues to encourage interest in the game of golf in both countries and provide an opportunity for our home-grown professionals to further their game. I wish both teams the very best in the coming tournament, keep focused and play well and may the best team prevail.”

The teams, sanctioned by Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association and the Professional Golf Association of Malaysia, will be led by non-playing captains with the hosts opting for last year’s winning vice-captain Mohd Said Abdul Latif while Malaysia while rely on the experience of veteran World Cupper M. Ramayah.

The hosts will once again be driven by seasoned players Mardan Mamat, Lam Chih Bing and Quincy Quek while Malaysia will bank on rising talent Nicholas Fung as well as veteran campaigners R. Nachimuthu, Airil Rizman Zahari and Danny Chia.

Both teams will also feature debutants with Goh Kun Yang and Justin Han Wen Yuan linking up with the Lions squad alongside Kemarol Baharin, Khor Kheng Hwai as well as the Jamil brothers – Hans and Iylia – who will start for the visitors.

Singapore coasted to a surprisingly easy 15½ – 8 ½ victory in 2013 but captain Said believes that it will be a much closer encounter this time around.

“Our success last year means there is a lot of pressure for us to keep our champion status. But we have an excellent team teeing off once again and with our home advantage, we are easily up to the challenge. But we know Malaysia are gunning for revenge, so we have our work cut out,” said Said.

Malaysia will once again start as the team on paper but Ramayah warned they won’t let their challenge slip this time round. “We were humbled last year but Singapore would be wise not to dismiss us early on. We have a lot to prove, an outstanding team sheet and we’re hungry to win this for our country and our fellow Malaysians.”

TEAM SINGAPORE

Mohd Said Abdul Latif (non-playing captain)
Gary Kwek (non-playing vice captain)
Mardan Mamat
Quincy Quek
Lam Chih Bing
Koh Dengshan
Lam Zhiqun
Poh Eng Wah
Choo Tze Huang
M. Murugiah
Marc Kawasoe
Chan Ren Chiat
Goh Kun Yang
Justin Han Wen Yuan

TEAM MALAYSIA

M. Ramayah (non-playing captain)
Rusli Johari (non-playing vice captain)
Nicholas Fung
R. Nachimuthu
Airil Rizman Zahari
Shaaban Hussin
Sukree Othman
S. Sivachandhran
Kemarol Baharin
Iylia Jamil
Iain Steel
Danny Chia
Khor Kheng Hwai
Hans Jamil