Campbell in charge but Woods three down at Wentworth

VIRGINIA WATER, England, Sep 14 (Reuters) New Zealander Michael Campbell made an encouraging start to the defence of his World Match Play title today, going two up on Britain's Simon Khan after 18 holes.

World number one Tiger Woods, however, was three down to fellow American Shaun Micheel after 11 holes at a wet Wentworth.

Woods, chasing a remarkable sixth consecutive tournament victory, went one up with a par four at the first but Micheel bounced back with three birdies in a row from the third.

A bogey at the sixth by Woods then helped Micheel strengthen his position.

The British Open and US PGA champion reduced his arrears when Micheel dropped a stroke at the seventh before Woods lost another hole by bogeying the ninth.

Campbell, playing in the opening match of the day, went two down when Khan pitched in for a birdie at the ninth.

The Kiwi clawed his way back to all square after 13 before a birdie at the 16th and an eagle at the 18th left him two up.

Elsewhere, Colin Montgomerie and David Howell were all square after 18 in their all-British clash.

Retief Goosen and Paul Casey were also level after 16 while Mike Weir was three up on Adam Scott after 16.

Robert Karlsson was four up on world number two Jim Furyk after 15, Ernie Els one down on Angel Cabrera after 14 and Luke Donald one down on Tim Clark after 12.

REUTERS AY VV1622