Ballesteros aiming to captain in 2010 Royal Trophy

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BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Seve Ballesteros is aiming to captain Europe in next year's Royal Trophy matchplay tournament against Asia as he continues his recovery from a brain tumor.

Ballesteros

Ballesteros captained Europe in the first two stagings of the Royal Trophy but missed the 2009 event after undergoing surgery to treat the tumor. He was initially scheduled to lead Europe for the first five editions.

The dates for the 2010 event were finalized Wednesday. It will again be held at the Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand from Jan. 8-10.

"I sincerely hope to captain the European team at the next editions of the Royal Trophy," Ballesteros said in a statement.

"Europe and Asia coming together for the Royal Trophy is very significant, and this is a competition that means a lot to me."

Europe won the 2006 and 2007 events before 2008's Royal Trophy was canceled due to a death in the Thai monarchy.

In the absence of five-time major winner Ballesteros, Europe was captained in 2009 by his Spanish compatriot and close friend Jose Maria Olazabal. Asia broke through for its first win, beating Europe 10-6.

The winning Asia team was captained by Japan's Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki, who is considered the favorite to get the role again in 2010.