CHONBURI, Thailand — The Japanese pair of Ryo Ishikawa and Koukei Oda rallied to beat Europe's playing captain Colin Montgomerie and Pablo Martin, helping Asia to a 2› to 1› lead after yesterday's foursomes play at the Royal Trophy.

Ishikawa, the 18-year-old teen sensation, and Oda were two down after three holes before storming back to win the foursomes 3 and 2.

Thai pair Prayad Marksaeng and Thongchai Jaidee maintained their lead all day to beat Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Simon Dyson of England 3 and 1. Europe's win was by Swedes Robert Karlsson and Alexander Noren, 4 and 2 over Charlie Wie of South Korea and Liang Wenchong of China.

The remaining foursome was squared, between Gaganjeet Bhullar and Jeev Milkha Singh of India and Peter Hanson of Sweden and Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark.

Asia won last year's competition after losing to Europe in 2006 and 2007. Competition continues today with four-ball matches.