Europe victorious in New Zealand
Ireland's Rory McIlroy was top scorer, finishing with four points out of five, as Europe beat Asia-Pacific 18-14 to regain the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy in New Zealand.
The Irish champion, who turns 17 next week, beat China’s Mu Hu 3 and 2 in the singles to help the visitors overturn a one-point deficit and deny Asia-Pacific a hat-trick of titles in the biennial event at
Auckland Golf Club.
McIlroy was never in trouble at any stage, racing into a five up lead after 13 holes before closing out his match with ease.
Asia Pacific began the day with a 10 ½ to 9 ½ advantage and needed six wins from the 12 singles matches to take the title.
However, the Europeans were always in command and never allowed the Asia Pacific team into the match, winning eight and halving another match to cruise to a four-point win.
“It’s a great thrill. The team really rallied today," said England’s Gary Wolstenholme. "We were disappointed to let the Asia Pacific team back into things yesterday but today the team were just fantastic.”
McIlroy will be in action in next week's Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham before heading to Portmarnock for the AIB Irish Amateur Open from May 12-14.
