Els Still the Master of Match Play

Can anyone match Ernie Els in the World Match Play Championship?

The South African--the three-time defending champion and defending U.S. Open titlist--beat two-time winner Ian Woosnam of Wales, 7 and 6, in Friday’s quarterfinals at Virginia Water, England, for his 10th victory in 10 matches in the event.

His good friend, Nick Price, is next up in today’s semifinals on the West Course at Wentworth. Price beat New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo, 6 and 5.

Els defeated Price, 3 and 2, earlier this year in the Andersen Consulting event.

“He [Els] is tough,” Price said. “Now he’s going to be even tougher. He’s had five weeks off, and now he has 30 holes under his belt.”

American Brad Faxon, a 2-and-1 winner over Colin Montgomerie, faces Vijay Singh in the other semifinal. Singh defeated Australian Steve Elkington, 5 and 4.

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Duffy Waldorf shot a two-under-par 69 to keep the lead in the Michelob Championship with a 10-under 132, and David Duval shot a 66 to move into second place, one shot off the lead at Williamsburg, Va.

Six others reached the halfway point at eight under. That group included Fred Funk, who changed his grip after an opening 69 and shot a bogey-free 65. Also at 134 were Steve Lowery, whose 66 was built on eight birdies and three bogeys, Brett Quigley, Scott Gump, Kirk Triplett and Brad Bryant.

Waldorf had three birdies and one bogey on his second trip over the 6,797-yard River Course at Kingsmill Golf Club.

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Larry Nelson shot an eight-under 64 to take a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Transamerica seniors tournament at Napa, Calif.

The tournament record is 63, shared by Dale Douglass (1991), Bob Charles (1992) and Isao Aoki (1994).

Dave Eichelberger and John Jacobs were tied for second at Silverado Country Club. Charles Coody, Terry Dill, Jimmy Powell and Isao Aoki were at 68.