32 matches completed, 32 players left including two Australians.
Jason Day rallied hard and in the end proved triumphant after 19 holes against Spaniard R. Carbrera Bello. It was an up and down affair early however Carbrera Bello stretched the lead to 3 up on the 14th. Needing something something special, Day dug deep within and birdied the final 2 holes to ensure he’s back tomorrow to play in an Aussie showdown against John Senden.
“I felt like I just won the tournament,” Day admitted.
“I did kind of just scrape through, but I’m glad I stuck in there and didn’t give up.”
It was John Senden who gave one of the thrashings of the round to beat Englishmen Simon Dyson 4 and 3.
Unfortunately the fate was no so for the rest of the Australians in the field. Adam Scott went down in a duel against Robert Rock who ended winning 1 up. Two-time event winner Geoff Ogilvy was soundly beaten by Keegan Bradley 4 and 3. Martin Kaymer ensured an early exit for Greg Chalmers winning 4 and 2, and Adam Baddeley was unable to move on, losing to Louis Oostuizen 2 and 1.
In no doubt the upset of the day, Ernie Els slammed world number 1 Luke Donald, 5 and 4 paving the way for either Lee Westwood (3 and 1 winner v Colsaerts) or Rory McIlroy (2 up winner v Coetzee) to take the world number 1 spot should they win this week. Tiger Woods moved onto the second round with a steady 1 up victory against Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.
“We both made our share of mistakes, there’s no doubt about that,” said Woods. “But somehow, I was able to move on.” said Woods.
Woods still showed issues with the putter in the round. However, winners are grinners and he will be back tomorrow to take on Nick Watney who gave a solid 5 and 4 golf lesson to reigning British Open champ Darren Clarke.
As an Expat Aussie based in Ohio USA, Adam covers USA PGA Tour events for Inside Golf Australia focusing on Australians on the PGA Tour. 
