The new edition of the VoIvo World Match Play Championship, to be held at Finca Cortesín from the 17th to the 20th of next May, will once again bring together a great constellation of international stars. Englishman Ian Poulter has confirmed that he will defend his title in this event that will once again attract 24 of the best golfers in the world, whose names will be definitively known in the weeks following the conclusion of the Augusta Masters. Last year Poulter confirmed his reputation as one of the fittest golfers by beating the current world number one, his compatriot Luke Donald, in the final at Finca Cortesin. The 47th edition of this historic tournament will repeat the successful format that debuted last year, with the 24 players divided into eight groups of three who will play on Thursday and Friday to decide which 16 players will compete on Saturday and from which will emerge those who will contest Sunday’s semi-finals and final. Poulter is looking forward to playing in what will be the first tournament on European soil after the Masters and the most highly regarded golf event in Spain in 2012.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Spain to defend my title. I love match play because it is a refreshing change to the stroke play format we play week in and week out on Tour. I am also very happy to be staying at the luxurious Finca Cortesin Hotel once again and the wonderful hospitality and services they have, as it is without doubt one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at,” said the English player. Poulter added: “The fact that this is a Ryder Cup year I think it will make the Volvo World Mach Play Championship even more exciting this time, and we will all be looking to impress Captain Olazábal in what is our last chance to play match play before Medinah.
Per Ericsson, president of Volvo Event Management, said: “It is wonderful to hear from our reigning champion that he will be returning to Finca Cortesin to defend his title and to see his enthusiasm for the championship. We are coming to a very exciting time in the golf calendar and it will be fascinating to see what the Masters and of course the winner of the Volvo Open China will bring in terms of the final cast playing at Finca Cortesin. We are very pleased that our changes to the qualification and format of this historic event have enhanced the tournament in many ways and that the best players are eager to earn their place to play here.”
Vicente Rubio, general manager of Finca Cortesin, said: “We are really looking forward to the return of the Volvo World Match Play Championship which will once again bring together a world-class line-up of players, including our 2011 champion at Finca Cortesin. The players have always been very generous in their kind comments about Finca Cortesin and we aim to make it an even better experience for them this year. All preparations are going well, the course is in fantastic shape and we are confident that everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament as much as they did last year and in 2009.”
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