World number one golfer Tiger Woods has won his opening match at the single elimination World Golf Championships Match Play Championship near Tucson, Arizona.
Woods was able to edge ahead of fellow American J.J. Henry Wednesday, three and two (ahead by three holes with two remaining). But Irish golfer Padraig Harrington had to come from two holes behind to tie Ryder Cup teammate Lee Westwood of England by the final hole. Harrington then made a 12-meter put on the first extra hole to advance.
Masters champion Phil Mickelson and Australian Richard Green were tied through 17 holes before Mickelson prevailed, one-up.
In other notable matches, defending champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, the reigning U.S. Open champion, beat American Steve Stricker, four and three. Bradley Dredge of Wales eliminated South African Ernie Els, four-and-two.
Other winners included England's Ian Poulter and Luke Donald, Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia. Thomas Bjorn of Denmark was less fortunate. After traveling 8,000 kilometers, his tournament ended in 13 holes as he quickly fell to South African Trevor Immelman, six and five.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
