PGA TOUR

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Aussie Brendan Jones to star in Tiger Woods's Return
February 18, 2009
Article from: The Australian

AUSTRALIAN Brendan Jones is preparing for a comeback - but it's not his own. Instead, Jones is getting his mind and body ready for the most anticipated return in recent sports history, Tiger Woods's comeback from knee surgery.

Unassuming Jones, 33, from NSW, has been tentatively drawn to face Woods in the opening round of the World Match Play, in Arizona next week.

Woods, who hasn't played since having his left knee reconstructed following his win in the US Open midway through last year, is yet to confirm he will play. But there is growing speculation the event could mark his return.

Jones certainly hopes so.

"I'm just thinking what an unbelievable opportunity I have to play probably the best golfer of all time as he makes the most anticipated comeback in any sport," Jones said in Canberra yesterday.

"It's very exciting. I have never played with Tiger before. I have always wanted to play with him. If we play that would be fantastic."

Players have until Saturday to confirm their place in the match play field but everything suggests Woods will make his comeback in Arizona.

Long-time friend Mark O'Meara recently played a practice round with Woods and claimed the world No1 was looking better than ever, while the 14-time major winner is sponsored by Accenture, which also sponsors the match play event.

The other significant hurdle to Woods's return was his pregnant wife. However, she gave birth to their son Charlie last week.

Interestingly, if Woods doesn't play, Australian Richard Green will come into the field. As much as he would like to see Green get his chance, Jones has his fingers crossed Woods is fit and ready to go next week.

Jones, who hasn't played a tournament since the Australian Open in December, believes he is capable of toppling Woods. Either way, he will see history unfold from the best seat in the house, making him a part of sporting trivia for years to come.

"I know on my day I could beat him, but 99.9 per cent of the world don't expect me to even come close," said Jones, who plays on the Japanese Tour.

"I have to go in with an attitude that I am going to do my best. Anyone in the top 64 on their day is good enough to beat anyone else.

"My preparation hasn't been great. I have been playing once a week for the last month. Now all of a sudden I might be playing Tiger Woods next week.

"I am trying to put six weeks of practice into three days. I am just going to go out and do my best. If I play Tiger it would be an unbelievable thing for me."

Jones, one of eight Australians already into the match play field, is likely to face world No3 Padraig Harrington if Woods withdraws.

"I have been watching the numbers (world rankings) and hoping to get in," Jones said.

"Now I know I am playing whether it's one, two or three in the world.

"I am happy to be there and hopefully I do myself

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25070442-2722,00.html