Baker warning to Woods

He is heavy favourite to make it six-in-a-row by claiming the HSBC World Matchplay which starts at Wentworth tomorrow.

But European vice-captain Baker - speaking at Lilleshall where he has been a junior and now honourary member - believes Woods is not a sure-fire guarantee to claim a maximum five points for the Americans.

"America have the best three players in the world in their team (Woods, Phil Mickleson and Jim Furyk) and Tiger is in a position where he is used to winning every time he is playing at the moment," said Baker.

"He is a magnificent player and a good guy who a lot of the lads on the European Tour know well.

"But matchplay is different to strokeplay and it's important we have the right attitude at the K Club.

"Constantina Rocca has beat him in singles (4 & 2 in Valderamma in 1997) so that shows what's possible.

"I'm sure plenty of the lads will be wanting to play against Tiger and take their chance.

"It would be a career-changing moment if things were to go well for them."

Baker will spend the next two days at Wentworth before flying over to Ireland on Saturday afternoon.

Oswestry-born captain Ian Woosnam will follow the next morning with both sets of players arriving on Monday.

Baker, Woosnam and six members of the European team - Darren Clarke, Paul Casey, David Howell, Jose-Maria Olazabal, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington - got a view of the course last week.

"We went over for a practice round and the course is set-up fantastic," added Baker. "There is a great team spirit and all the lads are up for it.

"We have done one or two things to the course which we think might help us - but it's playing very long and tough and will be a great test."

By James Garrison

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