Ian Poulter to return to defend his Volvo World Match Play title at Finca Cortesin, Spain
Englishman Ian Poulter will be returning to his favourite hunting ground, the Finca Cortesin in Spain, which will yet again be the venue of the coveted Volvo World Match Play Championship in May.
Poulter, considered an expert of the knock-out format, took over the world number one Luke Donald in the final round of the event, to lift his second Match Play title in his grizzled career.
He defeated Donald by 2 & 1 on the final day at the scenic Finca Cortesin.
Poulter confirmed on Thursday, March 29, that he will be part of the 24-member team at the event and vowed to retain the title he won 12 months ago.
He said, “I can’t wait to return to Spain to defend my title at the Volvo World Match Play Championship. I love the cut and thrust of match play and find it a refreshing change from the usual stroke play format we play week in and week out on the Tour”.
Poulter has an exceptional record in the knock-out format, probably contested only by Donald alone, and has done amazingly well in all his ventures in the format.
The Englishman also lauded the facilities and the hospitality at the famous Finca Cortesin.
He added, “I am also very excited be heading back to stay at the luxurious Finca Cortesín Hotel once again and all the wonderful hospitality and services they have on offer as it is definitely one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in”.
The event will be staged for the 47th time and will boast of some 24 top ranked players from the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
Poulter will be pitched against stiff competitors of the likes of Donald and world number three Lee Westwood.
Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management also lauded Poulter's decision to confirm his participation in the event and considered it as an honour to have him on the field.
The Knock-out format will feature 24 players pitched in eight groups of three players each.
The two opening rounds will be played entirely among the 24 players and 16 of the qualifiers will proceed to the third round on Saturday. Semi finals and final will be held on Sunday.
The event is scheduled from May 17-20, 2012.
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