Geoff Ogilvy Asserts Himself Atop Favorites In Accenture Match Play

Sports News - February 18th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

Steve Stricker overtook the second spot in the world rankings two weeks ago, following his victory in the Northern Trust Open. He was subsequently placed as the top overall seed in the WGC Match Play Championship this week in the absence of Tiger Woods. Despite his solid play this year however, he could not get out of the opening round of the WGC Accenture Match Play.

Stricker faced England's Ross McGowan, a player who got into the field of 64 due to Woods' and Phil Mickelson's absence. McGowan took full advantage, sinking a 30-foot par putt on the first extra hole to secure the win.

In doing so, he became only the second 64th seed to win an opening round match. Back in 2002, Peter O'Malley shocked the golfing world with his upset win over Woods.

"I knew I had a good chance at the beginning of the day," McGowan said after his victory in the match. "It is nice to win and get through for tomorrow. It was quite exciting when that one dropped on 19."

The atmosphere of the tournament took a turn following the breaking story that Woods is to make an announcement regarding his past and future decisions on Friday.

"I guess everybody is going to get their answers," Sergio Garcia remarked after his win over David Toms. "We'll see. I'm focused on this tournament here. That's a lot to worry about. I think he'll be OK."

For the second year in a row, Woods has taken the attention of the Match Play tournament. Last year, he made his return to PGA Tour, following season-ending knee surgery after his 2008 U.S Open Victory.

As for the tournament, players quickly realized that recent success in events this year has no bearing on successful performances in match play. Stricker is a shining example, as is Dustin Johnson.

Johnson claimed the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for the second consecutive year last week. His fortune changed yesterday, as he lost his first four holes to Camilo Villeges, and was never a factor in the match.

Stricker was the only top-seed to lose in the opening round. Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk and Martin Kaymer were able to get by their first-round opponents.

Ryo Ishiskawa, the young 18-year-old phenom from Japan, was competing in this event for the first time. He achieved a 2 up victory over Michael Sim. Ishikawa executed a precision approach shot from a fairway bunker on the 17th hole, with the match all-square. The shot came to rest within two feet of the hole.

Geoff Ogilvy, the defending champion in the event, dominated his opening round opponent in Alexander Noren. Ogilvy won 7 and 5. The Australian won six consecutive holes during the middle of the round to put the match out of reach.

"You can't win the tournament if you don't win the first round," Ogilvy remarked after his round.

Ogilvy's performance has propelled him to the betting favorite, following Stricker's early exit. The PGA Betting Lines at Bodog sportsbook have installed Ogilvy at 8/1 to repeat his 2009 match play victory.