Sport 21-10-2002 Els Relishes Victory On "Home" Turf who: Ernie Els what: Clinches World Matchplay title at his adopted home course where: WENTWORTH when: Yesterday snippet: Ernie Els "climbed over his garden fence to land the World Match Play title for the fourth time," exaggerates The Sun this morning after the South African, who owns a house overlooking the 16th green at Wentworth, scraped past Sergio Garcia 2 & 1 to take the World Matchplay Championship. It was a close call though, reckons The Guardian. Garcia had fought back to one down after being five down after just 12 holes earlier in the day. But "just when he needed to be strong off the tee the Spaniard, who is among the longest and straightest drivers on the US Tour, smashed two drives into deep trouble to end any hopes he had of making a recovery." The Telegraph calls it "a bitterly disappointing finish for one who was always convinced that he was going to do as he had done against Padraig Harrington and Michael Campbell in winning from behind." "I definitely thought I could come back but it was still a great match," said the loser. "Ernie`s a wonderful guy and the game was fun." "This course has become my home. I`m a member, and my little girl goes to school just down the road," added a delighted Els afterwards. "It was fun playing Sergio because he is a friend. He never backs off. He`s sure to be close to a career Grand Slam one day." [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!