`The Tank vs. The Emperor`

The `Tank` Choi Kyong-joo (Superior & Tailor Made) vs. the `Emperor of Golf` Tiger Woods (USA).

The main topic of the Korean golf fans` conversation was positively the `match-up between Choi Kyong-joo and Woods at the second round of the Accenture Match Play Championship.`

There were prediction of `it would be difficult,` and expectation of `he might have a chance` mixed.

Of course, it is an undeniable fact that Woods is in the upper level. However, since the prediction of the match play winner is illustrated as `playing lotto,` immature prediction is prohibited.

Woods also said during the official interview before the Championship, “High ranker usually win the 36-hole match; however, nobody assures for the 18-hole match.”

The strong point of Choi Kyong-joo is that he does not have the `Woods phobia.` He only played once with Woods in the same group (the 2002 Tour Championship), and he has never missed a championship because of Woods.

Choi Kyong-joo defeated Fred Funk (USA) by a hole in the first round held at the La Costa Resort Golf Course (par 72) in Carlsbad, California in a close match. Choi Kyong-joo showed strong confidence after the match by saying, “I feel comfortable because I know well about Woods` style. Since I am in the best condition, I might have the advantage.”

The enormous gallery and the volley of cameras that a partner of Woods must experience do not seem to bother Choi Kyong-joo that much.

“I get exited and play better when there is a big gallery.”

Choi Kyong-joo said so when he participated the last year`s Dunlop Phoenix (Miyajaki, Japan) with Woods as special invited guests, and he won the sole 3rd place over Woods (8th place).

Woods, who has bigger psychological burden, and Choi Kyong-joo, who has nothing to loose.

If Choi Kyong-joo can climb over the wall of the `Emperor of Golf` Woods, then it might be more valuable earning than a million-dollar prize money. It is because the `confidence` is the most powerful `weapon` in the fiercely competing US PGA Tour.

In the meantime the second seeded `Princess` Ernie Els, who was making a long drive taking advantage of 4 wins early in this season (2 wins in the US PGA, 2 wins in the European Tour), kneeled to the 64th seeded Phil Tataurangi (New Zealand) substituting Nick Faldo (UK) at the first round.

And other top rankers such as Retief Goosen (South Africa), Sergio Garcia (Spain), and Colin Montgomerie also drank the bitter cup of being excluded at the first round.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com