LOS ANGELES — Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee expressed delight Monday after confirming their spots in the International team to face the United States in the Presidents Cup, the first time the two countries have been represented in the Ryder-Cup style tournament. Lahiri was assured of his spot after being the seventh highest-ranked international player eligible for the competition while Thongchai was two places back at ninth to fall inside the top 10 automatically selected for next month's event in South Korea. “I can't describe my feelings right now,” said Lahiri, who tied for fifth at the PGA Championship last month, the best ever finish in a Major by an Indian golfer. “Growing up, you look up to events like the Ryder Cup and feel terrible about it as you can't be a part of something like that. “But thankfully, we have The Presidents Cup for us to aim for, and it is such an achievement to make the team. “This will be a massive boost for golf in India and the region as a whole.” Former paratrooper Thongchai meanwhile said he hoped his participation would serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Asian golfers. Thongchai and Lahiri were among three rookies to make the International team. The third was New Zealand's Danny Lee, who came in in 10th. International captain Nick Price of Zimbabwe will name his two captain's picks for the Oct. 6-11 event in Incheon City Tuesday. The American challenge will be spearheaded by Jordan Spieth and will also include Rickie Fowler, who pulled off a superb victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship earlier Monday. US skipper Jay Haas was also expected to name his two captain's picks Tuesday. The American team automatic qualifiers are: Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Jimmy Walker, Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Chris Kirk. The International automatic qualifiers are: Jason Day, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman (Australia), Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel (South Africa), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Anirban Lahiri (India), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Danny Lee (New Zealand). — Agencies
