Lee Westwood strips Tiger Woods of his number one title
Lee Westwood has overtaken Tiger Woods as the number one ranked golfer in the world. Last Sunday saw the re-evaluation of the points on the world golf ranking system that led to Westwood ending Woods’ record setting reign as world number one.
Woods was asked about the recent ranking change in Japan where he played an exhibition match against Ryo Ishikawa this Monday. When asked about losing the top-spot after holding it for a record 281 consecutive weeks he replied, "As far as the world ranking
is concerned, yes, I'm not ranked No. 1 in the world. In order to do that you have to win and I didn't win this year."
Woods’ streak as number one in the world began a week before the 2005 U.S. Open and it has been rarely threatened since but this year has been a different story.
Woods’ difficulties on the golf course can be attributed to issues off the golf course. His downward spiral began in December of last year as revelations about his extramarital affairs began to trickle down into the public. His confessions to these affairs
led to a five-month break from golf and later to a divorce.
These drastic changes in Woods’ personal life have lead to a disappointing season. For the average tour pro, Woods’ 2010 results would be quite satisfactory with 11 cuts made out of 12 entries. For Woods and for the standards of the world number one title
his performance has been insufficient.
Woods knows that maintaining the number one spot demands wins and when asked about how he felt the loss of top spot he replied, “As far as the emotions go, it is what it is. To become No. 1 you have to win and win a lot to maintain it. That's the way it
goes."
Still despite his demotion Woods remains optimistic about the conclusion of the season, saying, "I've got three more events this year and, hopefully, I can end on a good note,” adding, "I'm really looking forward to these events and hopefully they will spearhead
into a better 2011."
Woods has reason to be optimistic. This week’s HSBC Champions event at Sheshan International will feature Westwood, Woods, Martin Kaymer and Phil Mickelson all of whom have the chance to clinch the top spot with a win.
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