Romero draws plum Firestone grouping with Tiger

AKRON, Ohio: Argentina's Andres Romero, one of the game's hottest players over the last fortnight, has been grouped with world No 1 Tiger Woods for the first two rounds of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Romero, who clinched his maiden European Tour title at the Players Championship in Germany on Sunday, was stunned when he heard the news of his high-profile pairing late on Tuesday.

"I just found out 30 seconds ago," a beaming Romero, speaking Spanish and translated by a PGA Tour official, told reporters.

"It's going to be exciting and difficult at the same time. I admire his game a lot, so to have him in the same group the first two days is something I'm looking forward to.'

The 26-year-old from Tucuman claimed the final spot in the 84-strong field for this week's event at Firestone Country Club with his breakthrough victory at Gut Kaden.

Ranked 114th in the world two weeks ago, the Argentine soared to 29th after finishing third at the British Open and then winning the Players Championship by three strokes.

"It's great," Romero said. "I didn't even have this tournament on my schedule and now I'm paired with the No 1 player in the world."

Asked if he expected greater recognition of his own talents while playing in Woods's company at Firestone, he replied: "Definitely yes.

"I just hope I don't get caught watching Tiger and stick to my game. But they'll know who I am because it's in the pairing sheet."

Peer support

Romero said his exhilarating form in the past two weeks owed much to compatriot Angel Cabrera, who became the second South American to win a major title with a one-shot victory at last month's US Open.

"He definitely inspired me," added the Argentinian, who led the British Open by two shots with two holes to go before slipping back into third. "It was great to see him win on TV and I think it opened my eyes and told me that I could do this also.

"It not only helped me at the British Open but it inspired me to win last week also."

Cabrera believes Romero is capable of making a significant impact on the game. "You never know how far somebody can get but he has a lot of potential," Cabrera said. "Time will tell.

"He's pretty much a good player all around but I think the big difference for him is on the greens. He putts very well. I am really happy for him that he has enjoyed such a good run over the last two weeks."

Romero is scheduled to tee off with Woods and big-hitting American Brett Wetterich at 0914 local (1614 GMT) in Thursday's opening round.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/02/2007 page23)