Team Gavin Power Their Way To Albatross Cup Victory

PETALING JAYA, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Team Gavin Green defeated Team Danny Chia 14-8 to clinch the inaugural Albatross Cup at the Seri Selangor Golf Club here today.

Taking a 6-4 lead after yesterday's fourball and foursomes events, the final day's 12 singles matches saw Team Gavin go 11-8 ahead with three matches left.

And it was Team Gavin's men who rose to the occasion.

First, rising professional Marcus Lim edged 52-year-old Danny 2-up before Danial Faiz defeated Fakhrul Akmal 2-up.

Casper Loh then wrapped up a commanding 14-8 victory by defeating Nor Heikal Hadi 3 & 2 in the battle of young talents.

Speaking to reporters after the victory ceremony, Gavin praised his teammates for their outstanding performance and commitment to clinch the inaugural title, although there is no prize money involved.

“Every one of them is a class act and I am privileged to have them on my team. It was a very intense event and brought the best out of the players. You know you’re not just fighting for yourself, you’re fighting as a team. 

“I would say this event was a success and everyone seems to have enjoyed it. In Malaysia, we don’t get many match-play events, but now we have one. Hopefully, it will return next year with even bigger support,” said Gavin, the first Malaysian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title in 2017.

Gavin thanked the local golf community for organising the event on a voluntary basis and also the sponsors.

Looking ahead, Gavin said the victory has boosted his morale for another busy season in 2025, as he prepares to kickstart his DP World Tour season at the Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates from Jan 16-19.

Meanwhile, Danny, who made history as the first Malaysian to make the cut in a men’s Major at the Open Championship in 2010, vowed to assemble the same team next year to exact revenge for today's setback.

He also thanked his teammates for their dedication and commitment.

“We did our best today but, unfortunately, we were unable to turn things around. It was a great event, and I would like to congratulate Gavin and his players on a well-deserved victory,” said the two-time Asian Tour winner.

The inaugural tournament featured Malaysia’s leading professionals, divided into two 12-man teams and captained by current and former national number ones Gavin and Danny.

-- BERNAMA