Thongchai Jaidee (middle) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (left) at the seventh edition of the Royal Trophy (COURTESY OF ROYAL TROPHY)

Asia's star performers in their shock Royal Trophy defeat, Thai golfers Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, admit that loss was even harder to take after they both claimed a maximum three points. But both have pledged to return to Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, next year to help erase the bitter memories of the way the Asian Team stumbled from a near-invincible position at 7–3 ahead to lose 8 ½ – 7 ½.

Thongchai has been one of the Royal Trophy's most fervent supporters, establishing a new record at Dragon Lake by making his sixth appearance from a possible seven since the competition was launched in his home land in 2006. The fact that the perpetual sixteen-kilogram solid-silver Royal Trophy itself was graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand, and the first five editions were played in that nation, adds to the poignancy of the event for all Thai golfers.

So it is no wonder Thongchai could scarcely believe he had finished on the losing side for the fifth time – ironically, Asia completed a memorable play-off victory when he missed the event for the only time in 2012 – and he is determined to improve that strike rate.

"I still cannot believe it all changed so dramatically for us, although the European Team was a very strong one and their players have more experience of team match-play than we do. But we will get better and better at it with more experience," Thongchai said. "I would be happy to come back again next year – and to help the team do better."

His passion for the Royal Trophy was mirrored by Kiradech, who banished the memories of his disappointing performance in 2012 with an outstanding display this time. He too found it hard to believe their efforts had not provided the bedrock for another Asian triumph.

"All eight of us players did our best, and we thought it would be good enough. But the Europeans showed why they are so good, and so successful in this team format. I have played in two very close matches – the play-off win last year and this defeat – and that shows there is nothing to choose between the teams," Kiradech said.

The Royal Trophy is the official and established competition between the continents of Europe and Asia. The championship is sanctioned by the China Golf Association, the governmental authority for the sport in China, and the Japan Golf Tour, Asia's premier, richest and most traditional professional golf tour.

The eighth edition of the Royal Trophy will be held on December 19-21, 2014 at the 54-hole Dragon Lake Golf Club.