Bjorn on anchorman Dunne: "Irish players have a great history when it comes down to the last one for Europe"
Paul Dunne. Image © Asian Tour
Thomas Bjorn is confident that Paul Dunne can continue a proud Irish tradition at the bottom of the order as Europe bids to come back from 6.5-5.5 down and win the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia.
"Irish players have a great history of if it when it comes down to the last one for Europe, you have got Paul McGinley and you've got Philip Walton, and Graeme McDowell as well, then there's a great history, and Paul will thrive on that," Bjorn said of his decision to put Dunne out last on the final day.
"I had a good conversation with all 12 players about where they go, and so this is the position they are in and they know that the only thing they can do is to go and win their point."
It's been a disappointing week so far for Dunne, who has yet to put a point on the board, losing twice in fourballs and foursomes with Sweden's Alex Noren to Japan's Hideto Tanihara and 18-year old Thai Phachara Khongwatmai.
A look inside #TeamEurope's locker room 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/gVgA6lGPlZ
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Like Noren an Alex Levy, who were also pointless, Dunne may feel has a point to prove when he takes on China's Haotong Li at No 12.
"Every single player on that team has given 100 percent," Bjorn said. "Some has been fantastic. Some have played really, really well and there's a couple that feel disappointed about the way they performed this week.
"But when you have a team of 12, at any given time of the year, you're going to have that kind of outcome with your players.
"There's a couple that there's a little bit more to desire from them and they know that. They are the first one to come in the locker room and in the team room and be disappointed about what they delivered.
Sunday's singles matches
"So, they have got a point to prove tomorrow. We've had a good chat about it and they know that I'd like to see a bit more from some of them. But in general, effort, 100 percent focused. They gave everything. And sometimes you also have to take your hat off to the opponents.
"They showed great character today and they showed that they got quality on their team. But, you know, I still strongly believe that we can win the singles and win this."
