Watson Wins, Wadkins Upset in Match Play

Tom Watson made a successful start in defense of his title in the $750,000 Seiko Tucson Match Play golf tournament Thursday, but Lanny Wadkins was the victim of a major upset.

Wadkins, winner of three titles this season and leading the Player of the Year standings, was eliminated by Bob Tway, 2 up.

In other surprises, PGA champion Hubert Green lost to Canadian Dave Barr, 1 up on the 19th hole, after Green held a 2-up lead with two holes to play; Vardon Trophy winner Don Pooley bogeyed the first three holes and lost to Jodie Mudd, 1 up; rookie David Frost of South Africa eliminated Craig Stadler, 1 up, and Larry Mize beat Johnny Miller, 2 and 1.

Watson, in a slump most of the season and still seeking his first victory of the year, advanced through first-round play by beating Lon Hinkle, 5 and 3.

“It’s a nice feeling. That’s the best I’ve played in a long time. I was driving it long and straight, and my putting was much better,” said Watson, who holed a 25-foot putt early in the match and closed out his opponent with a 35-footer for a birdie on the 15th.

In the separate bracket for senior players, which has a $300,000 purse, defending champion Gene Littler stopped Pete Brown, 5 and 4, but Australian Peter Thomson had to overcome a mild scare and a broken driver to advance.

He once was 2 down, but Jimmy Powell ran into difficulties on the back nine, and Thomson pulled out a 1-up decision.