CASARES, Spain — Brandt Snedeker worked wonders with a loaned set of clubs at the World Match Play Championship Thursday, crushing Thomas Bjorn of Denmark 5 and 4 to begin his quest for a first victory outside the US.
The lone American in the 24-man field teed off with only 10 clubs in his replacement bag — including a putter bought from the pro shop and a driver borrowed from Australian rival John Senden — while his normal set was being couriered from the airport following a delay in the arrival of his luggage in Spain.
There were opening-day wins for Ian Poulter of England, who started his title defense by beating Senden 3 and 2, and Justin Rose, who battered Robert Rock 7 and 6 in an all-English contest.
Martin Kaymer, at No. 9 the highest-ranked player in the field, lost 3 and 2 to Rafael Cabrero-Bello. Robert Karlsson missed a 6-foot putt on the last to lose 1 up to Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and Europe’s Ryder Cup star from the same year. — AP