USA retain Warburg Cup
Monday, 18 November 2002 09:03The United States had little difficulty in retaining the UBS Warburg Cup with a 14.5-9.5 victory over the Rest of the World at a cold and windy Sea Island in Georgia. The home side went into the final day with a one point lead, but were always in control in the tough conditions and won eight points from the 12 singles.
Mark O'Meara, who won his two majors (the Open and the US Masters) as a 41-year-old in 1998, ended Nick Faldo's unbeaten record in this event for players aged 40 and over. The American triumphed by 3&2.
In the final match, England's Denis Durnian came close to claiming the notable scalp of Tom Watson. The five-time Open champion had been four up after just five holes, but the unsung Durnian, who plays on the European Seniors' Tour, staged a tremendous fightback and was one up playing the last. However, he missed a 10 foot putt for par and had to settle for a half.
While Arnold Palmer, the American captain, was delighted with the victory, he did not have too happy a day on the course. Battling the elements as well as a super fit 67-year-old Gary Player, he lost 6&5 to his opposite number.
Sam Torrance, Europe's victorious Ryder Cup skipper, also had a miserable day. He lost 4&3 to his US counterpart Curtis Strange and ended the contest without a point. Ian Woosnam was in fine form though with five birdies helping him to a 3&2 win over former US Open champion Tom Kite. "I thought the weather would suit our side, but it just didn't happen for us today," said the disappointed Welshman.
Barry Lane had three birdies in a row from the 13th to claim victory over Scott Hoch, who was a member of the defeated United States Ryder Cup side at The Belfry in September, by one hole.
Filed by Johnny Proby
