If Monty plays, Clarke could take on Lawrie

13 April 2012

Darren Clarke could face Paul Lawrie in the opening round of the Accenture World Matchplay Championship in Carlsbad, California next week.

The Irishman, who picked up the first prize two years ago by beating Tiger Woods in the final on the same La Costa course, is the 12th seed this year.

But Lawrie will be his first opponent only if fellow-Scot Colin Montgomerie or Argentina's Jose Coceres do not pull out of the £3.5million event.

Montgomerie is doubtful because of the back injury which forced him to miss the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth three weeks ago, while Coceres is recovering after breaking his arm skiing.

Already out of the tournament is Dane Thomas Bjorn, which brings in 65th-ranked John Cook to play Woods on Wednesday week providing nobody else withdraws.

Welshman Phil Price is set for a duel with US Open champion Retief Goosen, while Dubliners Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley may open against American Matt Gogel and Argentine Angel Cabrera respectively.

Lee Westwood's scheduled first match is against American Ryder Cup player Stewart Cink.

After Monday any players pulling out are not replaced. Until then Australian Peter O'Malley and American Bob May are the two on standby.