Jordi Saborit - European Team Championship retained

Jordi Saborit, Catalonia

Q1 How does it feel to retain the European Team championship?

JS: Tremendous satisfaction to retain such a prestigious title.

Q2 Does Ireland's absence diminish the win in any way?

JS: Of course, as the Irish are the number one (current World champions), of course we missed them.

Q3 What were the important turning points in the win?

JS: For me the key point was that we gelled as a team throughout the championship, especially during the final when all of us managed to score a point.

Q4 Could the Netherlands have won?

JS: Indeed Holland could easily have won the final. Two of the individual matches came down to the wire finishing only at the final hole, had those matches gone the other way, along with a tied match, Holland would have been declared winners.

Q5 How did Catalonia prepare for the championship?

JS: Each of us knows very well how best prepare for such an event. Basically it is an individual task. We did have a couple of team bonding sessions in a number of Catalan courses and trained on the Xixerella course before the event.

Q6 Your impressions of the new associations - Basque and Galicia?

JS: We began, years ago, very much the same way. Everything which helps to foster the sport is very welcome.

Q7 Do you like the El Torrent course?

JS: Sure, and especially the first 9 holes as they are really demanding.

Q8 Was the organisation of the event acceptable?

JS: There were a few dubious issues, but generally speaking the organisation was sucessful.

Q9 What went well for Catalonia during the week?

JS: I believe it boils down that each of us were full of confidence

Q10 What didn't go well?

JS: When you win, I suspect very few things went wrong.

Q11 How does it feel to be both a European Team Championship and a World Cup winner?

JS: I don't think much of this achievement, perhaps it hasn't sunk in yet. I suppose one day I'll beam with satisfaction.

Q12 Is the strokeplay seeding position important?

JS: Indeed, to be seeded in first place was a huge advantage.

Q13 Talk about your teammates and what they contributed to the win?

JS: It was a victory of the entire team - each of us played their part and scored valuable points. The team spirit was really important.