Stenson: No favourites in match play

Henrik Stenson says entering the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship as the favourite doesn’t count for much.
Having won both the Race to Dubai and the FedEx Cup last year, Stenson has become an international star but insisted that world rankings would have no bearing on the outcome of the tournament.
“I don’t think it makes a difference for me here. If you’re going to have a good week, you need to play well,” said Stenson.
“You need to have better luck on your side and it doesn’t really matter if you’re No. 1 seed or if you’re No. 50 coming into this week.”
With Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson deciding not to take part in the match play event, the world number three is the top ranked player and he will undoubtedly look to fed off his 2007 victory when he tees off against Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
The Swede highlighted that there would be very little room for error and that it would be foolish to underestimate any opponent.
“We know you can shoot 64 and someone else shoot 63 and you’re going home,” Stenson said.
“You can shoot 74 and you still squeeze by because the other guy is having a worse day than you are having.
“You’ve got to be able to squeeze by on the matches when you’re not playing that well. Hopefully you’ll win the ones where you’re playing well. It’s all about timing in that sense.”
Meanwhile defending champion Matt Kuchar shared Stenson’s sentiments, adding that he relished the cut-throat nature of the competition.
“I love the format, it’s good for golf,” said Kuchar.
“It makes for some real exciting matches, makes for something just different than four rounds of 72-hole stroke play.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.