Two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen delivered a record 12&11 thumping to American Jeff Maggert in the 36-hole first round of the World Match Play. The South African led by 10 holes at halfway and finished off the match on the seventh hole of round two.
The previous record in the event was an 11&10 victory by Mark O'Meara over Vijay Singh in 1998.
"I kept telling myself to stay focused because you know how quickly it can turn," said the 35-year-old Goosen.
He added: "Tomorrow it might be my turn - that's how it works in match play.
"I didn't know what the record was, but it's nice to have that achievement.
"Jeff didn't play his best, but you can play really well and get nailed.
Maggert, who won the inaugural Andersen Consulting World Match Play in 1999, failed to win a single hole against the third seed.
He was a long way from emulating the best-ever comeback in the event - Gary Player fought back from seven down after 19 to beat Tony Lema on the 37th in 1965.
Goosen added: "He said 'well played and keep playing well'. He couldn't say much else."
The world number five fractured his pelvis in a jet-ski accident in Barbados in July and is still working his way back to full fitness. He is playing his fifth World Match Play, but has yet to reach the semi-finals.
MMIX
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