Golf: Top 10 line up for Open

8 Jan, 2002 11:26 AM4 mins to read

TIGER WOODS (United States), aged 26

The world No 1 scarcely needs an introduction. Rose to top ranking just 42 weeks after turning pro in 1996. Has won 40 tournaments, among them 29 US PGA Tour events, including five last year. Already spoken of as the greatest player of all time. Has won six major championships. The youngest of five players to complete a career Grand Slam, last year he became the first player to simultaneously hold all four majors - the US Open, British Open, PGA Championship and Masters. Career earnings top $US32 million ($78.66 million). Has missed the cut only once in his career, at the 1997 Bell Canadian Open. Since then, he has contested the money rounds at 75 successive tournaments.

MICHAEL CAMPBELL (New Zealand), 32.

Returning to the scene of his NZ Open triumph in 2000, Campbell is assured of strong support in his home province. Finished last year ranked 28 in the world after peaking at No 12. Continues to struggle in majors, but has won 10 career titles, four of them in a stellar Australasian season in 2000. Has the game to trouble Woods and will be pumped up to perform in front of family and friends.

DAVID SMAIL (New Zealand), 31.

Defending champion. Slow developer, but now entering his prime. NZ Open win in Auckland last summer was his first pro tour success. Enjoyed that so much he followed it by winning the Canon Challenge in Sydney before finishing fourth on the Australasian Order of Merit. Solid season in Japan last year. Partnered Campbell when New Zealand led World Cup last year before entering playoff, where they were eliminated on the first extra hole.

GREG TURNER (New Zealand), 38.

One of this country's leading players for well over a decade. Has continually ignored the bright lights of the United States to earn a decent living in Europe, where he remains well respected. Nine official tour victories, including 1989 and 1997 NZ Opens. Historically, he's performed well after having a break, so timing of this tournament couldn't be better. Won't be fazed by all the fuss made over Woods.

CRAIG PERKS (New Zealand), 35.

Only US PGA-based New Zealander to return home for the Open. Sturdy player who gained recognition in New Zealand only when he made US PGA Tour in 2000 via qualifying school, at seventh attempt. A graduate of University of Southwestern Louisiana, he was beaten in a playoff by Michael Campbell in 2000 NZ Open at Paraparaumu. Best performance on US tour last year was equal second at the Honda Classic.

CRAIG PARRY (Australia), 35.

Highly respected figure, he has represented the Internationals three times in Presidents Cup contests against the United States. Based in United States since 1992 where career earnings exceed $NZ9.6 million. Has 18 international victories to his name in Australia, Japan and Europe. Nicknamed Popeye for his powerful forearms.

PETER O'MALLEY (Australia), 36.

Popular Australian, with five Tour victories, the last of them in the English Open last year when he finished 17th on European Tour Order of Merit. Won 1995 NZ Open at Paraparaumu, but still best remembered for victory in 1992 Scottish Open when he completed final five holes in seven-under to beat Colin Montgomerie by one shot. Completed his fifth consecutive year in the top-10 on the Australasian Order of Merit last summer, with nine top-20 finishes. New Zealand amateur champion in 1986.

GARETH PADDISON (New Zealand), 21.

Young man in a hurry. Paddison finished in a tie for third at the Australian PGA two months ago in his first outing as a pro. A glittering amateur career won him many admirers, among them IMG, who were quick to sign Paddison when he left amateur game. The Wellington left-hander would like nothing more than to announce his arrival on home soil with a commanding performance.

PETER SENIOR (Australia), 42.

Small in stature at 1.65m but big in results. Plied his trade all over the world for 20 years, winning in Australia, Japan and Europe. Four-time winner in Europe. His last win on home soil was at the 1997 Canon Challenge in Sydney. Can be a magician with the long putter.

NICK O'HERN (Australia), 30.

Studious left-hander finished last season 42nd on the European Order of Merit, an identical result to the previous year. Had six top-10 finishes in Europe last year, with a best of third in the co-sanctioned Heineken Challenge. Progress stalled last year because of a wrist injury. Overdue to taste success.

- NZPA

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