Garcia ready for Woods duel

Spanish teenager Sergio Garcia feels ready for his head-to-head showdown with Tiger Woods in the first two rounds of the Masters.

Having practised with the world number two on Tuesday, the 19-year-old British amateur champion has not changed his opinion that he could become the first-ever amateur winner at Augusta.

"It's very difficult, but I think it's possible for an amateur to win," said Garcia, who is to turn professional after this week.

"You just have to have the week of your life, playing great, putting great, and do everything right.

"I think most of the amateurs playing in this Masters can have one of those weeks. And why not?"

The last British amateur champion just to make the cut was Peter McEvoy 21 years ago. Among those who have failed since are Jose Maria Olazabal, who shot 81 and 76 in 1985, and Gordon Sherry (78-77 in 1996).

Six amateurs play this year - Americans Hank Kuehne, Matt Kuchar, Tom McKnight and John Miller, South African Trevor Immelman and Garcia.

Kuchar earned a return invitation by finishing 21st last year, but had to be taken to hospital yesterday after suffering symptoms of dehydration and flu.

He was released after having X-rays and receiving an intravenous drip.

His father, Peter said: "He's going to try to play because he's been waiting for this all year."