CARLSBAD (California), Feb 23: World number one Tiger Woods posted the most lopsided victory in the history of the Match Play Championship on Wednesday, a 9 and 8 rout of Stephen Ames.

Woods won every hole on the front nine before halving the 10th to complete the first-round triumph over the Trinidad-born Ames, who is now based in Canada.

The previous record margin of victory in the World Golf Championships event was 7 and 6.

Woods birdied the first six holes, as well as the eighth, and won the seventh and ninth with pars.

Ames probably regrets suggesting before the tournament that Woods might be vulnerable because of his inaccuracy off the tee.

In an earlier match, Tom Lehman did not drop a shot as he outlasted Stuart Appleby 3 and 2.

Lehman, this year’s US Ryder Cup captain, played well, but he also had some help from the Australian.

Lehman’s second-round opponent will be another Australian, Adam Scott, who recovered from a woeful start to beat Lucas Glover 2 and 1.

Scott bogeyed the first two holes but won three holes in a row starting at the sixth to take the lead in a match that never rose to great heights.

In other early matches, Davis Love beat Australian Mark Hensby 2 and 1, while Sweden’s Carl Pettersson outlasted Kenny Perry, 1 up.

Match Play scores

First round

Bobby Jones Bracket

Tiger Woods bt Stephen Ames 9 and 8

David Toms bt Ian Poulter 19 holes

Adam Scott bt Lucas Golver 2 and 1

Tom Lehman bt Stuart Appleby 3 and 2

Jose Maria Olazabal bt Brandt Jobe 3 and 2

Ben Hogan Bracket

Phil Mickelson bt Charles Howell 2-up

David Howell bt Steve Elkington 22 holes

John Daly bt Bart Bryant and 2

Gary Player Bracket

Chris DiMarco bt Mark Calcavecchia 2 and 1

Carl Petterson bt Kenny Perry 1-up

Davis Love bt Mark Hensby 2 and 1

Sam Snead Bracket

Shingo Katayama bt Paul McGinley 2 and 1.—AFP