Open Champion Padraig Harrington and US Open Champion Angel Cabrera will add their Major presence to the mouthwatering field for the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth Club from October 11-14, 2007.
Double US Open Champion Retief Goosen, six time HSBC World Match Play champion and three time Major winner, Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Jerry Kelly and Andres Romero have also accepted invitations to play for the richest first prize in golf of £1,000,000 having qualified for their place in the 16 man field via the HSBC Major Championships Ranking.
Defending champion Paul Casey is very much looking forward to returning to Wentworth, commenting: “Winning the HSBC World Match Play Championship last year was a real milestone for me and I would really like to defend my title. I relish the cut and thrust of match play and winning gave me such a confidence boost last year ahead of The Ryder Cup – and a rather nice winner’s cheque too!”
With Niclas Fasth having secured his place through the Major Championship Rankings, Colin Montgomerie has now claimed the second qualifying place on the HSBC European Tournaments Ranking along with BMW PGA Championship winner Anders Hansen.
Montgomerie said: “I was delighted to hear I had made it into the HSBC World Match Play Championship. I have had so many terrific experiences at the Match Play through the years that I would have hated to miss out. I am looking forward to October already.”
Giles Morgan, HSBC’s Head of Sports Sponsorship and Marketing, said: “This is shaping up to be a really strong field and we are delighted with the enthusiastic player response to date. Six of the players confirmed are ranked in the World’s top 20 and we believe the field will be a perfect blend of international stars and local favourites to whet the appetite of the golfing fraternity.”
The final two spots will go to the leading two European Tour players, not already qualified, on the European Tour Order of Merit, on September 24, 2007.
Now in its 44th year, the tournament is officially sanctioned by the European Tour with the results counting towards both the European Tour Order of Merit and Official World Golf Ranking. Total prize money will be £2,440,000 with all matches being decided over 36 holes.
For more information on the qualification criteria for the HSBC World Match Play Championship please visit:www.hsbcgolf.com
