Tiger happy to meet his match at Wentworth

Tiger Woods is set to make his second appearance in the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth.

Woods, beaten by close friend Mark O'Meara in 1998 when the Americans contested one of the most exciting finals in the tournament's 40-year history, is understood to be close to confirming his return.

The sight of Woods on the first tee of the West Course at Wentworth would come as a relief to HSBC, which began a 10-year sponsorship of the event last October by offering the richest first prize in golf of £1million.

But to the dismay of the sponsors, Woods turned down his invitation to compete in the 12-man field because the Match Play clashed with his own Tiger Woods Foundation Junior Golf Clinic in Florida.

Two tournaments lay claim to be world match play championships. Woods will defend the World Golf Championship's Accenture-backed event at La Costa in California at the end of next month. That tournament is open to the top 64 players in the world rankings with the early rounds being fought over 18 holes.

The HSBC championship is played over 36 holes and features a dozen players who qualify either by their performances in the four majors, by being the defending champion, or by being top of the world rankings. Woods's grip on top spot is so secure - this is his 233rd straight week at No1 - that it will be virtually impossible for him to be dislodged before 14 October, when the tournament starts.

Ernie Els, who will be chasing a record sixth title at Wentworth, has revealed he is considering withdrawing from the California tournament. He has made no secret of his dislike both of the 18-hole format and of the La Costa course.

He said: "You've got a 27-hour flight to maybe play one match. It's a long way to go for that."