Jose Maria Olazabal has hinted he is ready to follow in the footsteps of close friend and fellow Ryder Cup legend Seve Ballesteros and lead Europe in the biennial showdown with the United States at Celtic Manor in 2010.
Few ever doubted that Olazabal would emulate Ballesteros - the winning skipper at Valderrama in 1997 - and lead Europe in the Ryder Cup, but now it appears he could take charge of the team sooner than previously expected.
"I would love to be considered, I'm not going to deny that," said Olazabal after Europe lost 10-6 in The Royal Trophy at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.
The Spaniard, who was Nick Faldo's deputy as Europe surrendered the Ryder Cup to the United States in Valhalla last September, has previously been non-committal on the leadership role.
But his latest comments are likely to come as a boost to the European Tour's 15-man tournament committee, who meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
On the agenda is the subject of Faldo's successor, with Olazabal reportedly top of their wish list ahead of Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, the winning skipper at the K Club in 2006.
Olazabal, who made his Ryder Cup debut as a 21-year-old in 1987, confirmed he would like to lead Europe in future, but stressed he would first like to bid to make the team for an eighth time.
"I've never denied that being captain of the Ryder Cup is something really special, it's a privilege, but it's always been like that," added the 42-year-old, who has been battling rheumatism in recent years.
"If now is the right time or not, I'm not sure.
"I would love to be playing - if these guys allow me."
The two-time Masters champion suggested next week may be too early for him to commit to the role so any decision could be delayed until the committee meet in May during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
"I think maybe it is too soon (to be captain) but time will tell," he added.
Olazabal stepped in as European skipper at The Royal Trophy after his close friend Ballesteros was forced to remain at home in Bilbao, northern Spain, following a series of operations on a brain tumour.
The two-time Masters champion and Ballesteros - a five-time major winner and the victorious skipper in the 2006 and 2007 Royal Trophies - combined to be the most successful Ryder Cup partnership in history, winning 11 and halving two of 15 matches.
Matchplay maestro Olazabal was widely praised by his charges as Europe slumped to a first defeat to Asia at The Royal Trophy.
The players attributed the defeat to poor performances in their first competitions of the year following a winter break and coming up against an ever-improving Asian side, rather than the decisions of the captain.
After establishing a five-point advantage following the first two days of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event, Asia required just two points from the eight singles duels.
Europe staged something of a revival, winning four and halving one of the final day's matches, but the margin was ultimately too great.
Prayad Marksaeng defeated Pablo Larrazabal 5&4 after Paul Lawrie had claimed a 3&2 triumph over Liang Wen-chong before Toru Taniguchi sank the winning putt as he romped to a 7&6 record success over Niclas Fasth.
Soren Hansen's contest with Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa finished all-square, while Nick Dougherty, Oliver Wilson and Johan Edfors recorded their first points of the week, but their wins were ultimately in vain as Asia emerged victorious.
Olazabal congratulated Joe Ozaki's team for their triumph before hinting Ballesteros would return to reclaim the trophy in 2010.
"My last words are for Seve," said the Spaniard as he addressed his eight-man team.
"He is recovering from some health issues, but even though I'm the captain this year, I might not be the captain next year - and I can assure you he is going to be tougher than I was."
Olazabal conceded the deficit following the foursomes and four-balls was too great for Europe to overcome, particularly after the capitulation of Larrazabal and Fasth.
"It was very difficult to come back from such a big difference," he added.
"The problem today was that a couple of our matches were really down.
"That made things more difficult for everybody."
Olazabal promised Europe would learn from the loss.
"I want to thank my players for trying hard this week," he said.
"We lost, it hurts but that will make us better in the future."
Ozaki, who oversaw the record nine-point loss in the last edition of the event, was thrilled as Asia triumphed.
"I really wanted to win this time," the Japanese said.
"All the team members felt the same way. They sensed that I wanted them to play aggressively.
"I'm very happy right now and I'll never forget this week."
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