Els to challenge Woods for No1 spot

Ernie Els marked a record-equalling fifth win in the HSBC World Match Play

On Friday, the Surrey-based South African celebrated his 34th birthday and on Saturday he learned he had won the European Order of Merit for the first time. And yesterday, Els banked £1million for beating Thomas Bjorn four and three in the final at Wentworth.

But it was an observation by Seve Ballesteros that meant the most to the ‘Big Easy’. The Spaniard was among the first to congratulate Els on his seventh tournament title this year, and told him: “You have more ability and talent than Tiger Woods. If you really want to be No1, you will very soon.”

Els is second to the American in the world rankings and said: “I feel comfortable with my game and I feel I can take it to a new level.

“A lot of what Seve says I take in. The last few years he has been giving me quiet advice on the side. He’s told me I’ve got to get tougher mentally, and I think I’m on the way there.

“There are quite a few players who can come through and stamp their authority. But I can’t worry about them. You’ve got to take care of business yourself.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Spence shed tears of relief after almost certainly securing his European Tour card in the Turespana Majorca Classic.