Els and Garcia renew rivalry

Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia will lock horns again at the Nedbank Golf Challenge tomorrow.

The young Spaniard beat Els in a sudden-death playoff in the same event last year, but the South African had a measure of revenge when he beat Garcia in the final of the Cisco World Matchplay earlier this year.

That victory at Wentworth capped an exceptional year for Els, who won on four continents including his Open triumph at Muirfield, and the local hero will be hoping to retain the title he won in 1999 and 2000 at the Gary Player Country Club.

“Sergio got me here last year, so we’re all square now!” Els said.

“The round of golf that he played last year to score 63 in the final round...not too many players can do that in world golf, but Sergio’s got that ability and unfortunately for me he showed it last year.

“All the players playing in this year’s tournament are playing great golf, so it should be a tight one again.”

Garcia would relish the chance to put one over Els once again, especially in the South African’s own backyard.

“I think it will be another great week, it always is here,” Garcia said. “It’s a wonderful place and we always enjoy it.

“To have another match-up like we did last year would be great. It’s a wonderful chance to play against Ernie, he’s a good friend of mine and I enjoy playing with him. It’s one-all at the moment, so we’ll see.”

Els has been paired with Ireland’s Padraig Harrington – winner of the BMW Asian Open last week – while Garcia will be last off alongside American Bob Estes.

Ryder Cup team-mates Montgomerie and Clarke will get proceedings under way at 9.40am.