VIRGINIA WATER, England, 19 October 2003 — Ernie Els had double cause for celebration yesterday with victory in his World Match Play Championship semifinal coinciding with confirmation that he will finish as Europe’s number one this season.
The big South African world No. 2, chasing a record-equaling fifth Match Play title and a one million pounds (US$1.67 million) first prize into the bargain, won an astonishing eight holes in a row on his way to a 5&4 defeat of Vijay Singh.
That run surpassed a 38-year record in the event set by his countryman Gary Player during his comeback win over Tony Lema.
Holder Els, 34 on Friday, will meet either Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn or American Ben Curtis in the final. After 30 holes, Bjorn led the British Open champion by one hole.
Els learned earlier yesterday that he could not be overhauled as Europe’s leading money winner with over two million pounds after his nearest rival Darren Clarke decided against playing in next week’s Madrid Open, the season’s penultimate event.
Els had looked in trouble early on in the 36-hole match against Singh who led four-up at one stage but his fortunes turned dramatically from the 16th as he won the last three holes with birdies and followed up after lunch by winning the first five of his afternoon round.
Japan’s Maruyama Grabs Five-Stroke US PGA Lead
In Greensboro, North Carolina, Japan’s Shigeki Maruyama fired a stunning eight-under par 64 on Friday to seize a five-stroke lead over Brad Faxon after two rounds of the $4.5 million Greensboro Classic.
Maruyama made nine birdies in ideal conditions, his 15-under 129 total for 36 holes giving him a huge edge in the bid for his third US PGA title.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Stephen Ames and Australian Paul Gow shared third at 135, while first-round leader Peter Jacbosen fired a 74 to stand eight strokes back.
