Golf: Campbell looking forward to tough tussle

CARLSBAD, California - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell heads into the opening round of the WGC-Accenture Matchplay championship tomorrow looking to beat Geoff Ogilvy for a second time in four months.

Campbell and Ogilvy, of Australia, squared off last October on day one of the world matchplay championship at Wentworth in England.

But after the withdrawal of Dane Thomas Bjorn, Campbell and Ogilvy again face each other in the opening round but this time at La Costa in California.

But unlike last October's 36-holes encounter at Wentworth, it will be over just 18 holes at the La Costa Resort and Spa .

"It's just so funny that with Thomas (Dane) pulling out with a neck injury that I find myself drawn against Geoff," said Campbell, who was an automatic entry at La Costa after his US Open win last year.

"So, of all the players in the field, I am drawn with Geoff and that's just bizarre.

"We had a great contest last October at Wentworth when I managed to come out in front and winning 1 up, so I know Geoff will be looking to get some revenge."

Campbell said Nick O'Hern beat Tiger Woods in the first round last year -- an indication of the unpredictability over 18 holes compared to 36.

"We've seen in previous matchplay events at La Costa that if you get on top early, you're more than likely to stay out in front."

Ogilvy, who qualified for La Costa with a win in Tucson recently, remembers all too well his tussle last year with Campbell.

"Michael and I had a great first up match," Ogilvy said.

"I was trying my utmost to beat him also because he was the US Open champion but whilst he managed to get the better of me, Cambo's still the US Open champ, so I've got a second chance to knock him off."

With both players having a similar game, Ogilvy said it would be a good struggle and one he was looking forward to.

Campbell will be looking to improve his La Costa record.

This is his sixth appearance since his debut in 2000 and he has not made it past the first round except in 200 when he made the last 16.

- NZPA