Els Still Hasn’t Met Match At World Match Play Golf

Can anyone match Ernie Els in the World Match Play Championship?

The South African - the three-time defending champion and defending U.S. Open titlist - defeated two-time winner Ian Woosnam of Wales 7 and 6 in Friday’s quarterfinals in Virginia Water, England, for his 10th win in 10 matches since 1994.

His good friend, Nick Price, is next up in today’s semifinals on the West Course at Wentworth. Price beat New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo 6 and 5. Els defeated Price 3 and 2 earlier this year in the Andersen Consulting event.

American Brad Faxon, a 2 and 1 winner over flu-weakened Colin Montgomerie, faces Vijay Singh in the other semifinal. Singh defeated Australian Steve Elkington 5 and 4.

Duffy Waldorf shot a 2-under-par 69 to keep the lead in the Michelob Championship in Williamsburg, Va., with a 10-under 132, and David Duval shot a 66 to move into second place, one shot off the lead.

Six others reached the halfway point at 8-under. That group included Fred Funk, who changed his grip after an opening 69 and shot a bogey-free 65.

Also at 134 were Steve Lowery, whose 66 was built on eight birdies and three bogeys, former Pullman resident Kirk Triplett, Brett Quigley, Scott Gump and Brad Bryant.

Larry Nelson shot a record-setting 8-under-par 64 to take a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Transamerica seniors tournament in Napa, Calif. It was the largest first-round lead in tournament history.

Nelson, who is looking for his first victory on the Senior Tour, was 2-under through the front nine, then birdied holes 11 through 14, and then 16 and 18 to take the lead.

Dave Eichelberger and John Jacobs were tied for second at Silverado Country Club. Charles Coody, Terry Dill, Jimmy Powell and Isao Aoki were at 68.