Ames has short day, but wins this time

MARANA, Ariz. -- Stephen Ames had another short day of work Wednesday, with one notable exception.

This time, he gets to stay.

One year after he suffered the worst defeat in tournament history, Ames experienced the flip side of this event by making seven birdies in 11 holes to bury Robert Karlsson of Sweden, 8 and 7, in the first round of the Accenture Match Play Championship.

The change of venue helped, as did the opponent.

Tiger Woods was flawless last year at soggy La Costa Resort in beating Ames, 9 and 8. On smooth greens in the high desert north of Tucson, Ames won the first four holes and never let up at The Gallery.

Ames didn't even realize he had won the match after chipping in for birdie on the 11th and final hole.

"It's nice to be out of Carlsbad," Ames said. "I saw the ball going in the hole for a change, rather than bouncing."

-- The Associated Press