Woods sets new Match Play record

Woods will take on Robert Allenby in the second round

World number one Tiger Woods put on a masterclass to beat Stephen Ames 9&8 in the first round of the WGC Match Play Championship in California.

Woods won the first nine holes and although the 10th was halved, it was the biggest win in the event's history.

Second seed Vijay Singh beat Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell 5&4 and third seed Retief Goosen saw off England's Paul Broadhurst by the same score.

But Ernie Els lost to Bernhard Langer 2&1 in the day's biggest upset.

Langer, who captained Europe to Ryder Cup glory two years ago, had not won a game at La Costa since 1999.

"I am thrilled. I was by far the underdog but I played solid and kept the pressure on," the 48-year-old German said.

It was a disappointing day overall for the UK hopefuls, with Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Ian Poulter - who lost to defending champion David Toms at the 19th - also making early exits.

Results

But Colin Montgomerie and David Howell edged through, while Luke Donald and Ireland's Padraig Harrington also progressed.

They will all have to go some to stop Woods claiming a third triumph in the event after he outclassed Trinidad-born Canadian Ames.

Woods, who will next face Australian Robert Allenby as he chases his third win in the event, said: "I hit the ball really well, basically it was an extension of practice yesterday.

"You just have to bear down and put as much pressure on your opponent as you can. In matchplay, it's a sprint. It's only 18 holes."

When you blow a four-hole lead you wonder how many chances you are going to have Colin Montgomerie

Donald had a 2&1 win over Richard Green, clinching victory by winning the 16th and 17th holes, while Montgomerie let slip a four-hole lead before beating Sweden's Niclas Fasth at the fifth extra hole.

Howell made a superb start against Steve Elkington of Australia, wining the first three holes, but he needed a fourth extra hole to overcome his opponent.

Harrington got the better of Australian Rod Pampling 4&2.

Westwood was outlasted by American Scott Verplank in the longest game in the tournament's history - eight more holes were required after the regulation 18.

Poulter lost to David Toms at the first extra hole, Henrik Stenson edged out Casey.

Clarke was beaten by Shigeki Maruyama and Paul McGinley went out to SAhing Katayama 2&1.