BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Seve Ballesteros is aiming to captain Europe in next year's Royal Trophy matchplay tournament against Asia.

Ballesteros missed the 2009 event after undergoing surgery to treat a brain tumor.

The dates for the 2010 event were finalized Wednesday. It will be held at the Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand from Jan. 8-10.

``I sincerely hope to captain the European team at the next editions of the Royal Trophy,'' Ballesteros said in a statement. ``Europe and Asia coming together for the Royal Trophy is very significant and this is a competition that means a lot to me.''

Europe won the 2006 and 2007 events.