DARREN CLARKE and Jeev Milkha Singh have been announced as the team captains for January's EurAsia Cup in Malaysia.
Clarke will have the opportunity to test his mettle as Europe captain ahead of next September's Ryder Cup, and he will do so against a long-time friend in Asia captain Singh.
"We have known each other a very, very long time," said the Dungannon man.
"We have played together on tour for most of our careers."
The second staging of the event, following a 10-10 draw in 2014, will take place at Kuala Lumpur's Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 15 to 17.
Clarke added: "Both teams that are assembled will be desperate to win the EurAsia Cup for the first time - when we get to Kuala Lumpur, Jeev will be trying to kick my butt and I will be trying to kick his. It's going to be a great week - the guys are really looking forward to it already."
Singh said: "It's an honour to be offered the EurAsia Cup captaincy and I am very excited by the prospect of leading what I hope will be a very strong Asian team. It is a special event.
"I'm looking forward to going up against Darren - I'm going to have a lot of fun with him."
