Els and rivals set to pounce with Tiger out

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - The British Open will enter unusual territory in Thursday's opening round when a major championship takes place without Tiger Woods for the first time in more than a decade.

The American world number one has been sidelined for the rest of this year while he recovers from reconstructive knee surgery, opening the door for players such as Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia.

Woods has triumphed six times in the last 14 majors, a remarkable record in a game renowned for its fickle nature, and his absence from any tournament clearly opens up the field.

Midway through last month bookmakers William Hill listed him as a 5-2 chance to win the Open. After Woods ended his playing schedule for the year, Els and Garcia were installed as joint favourites at 12-1.

A triple champion at the Open, Woods will be sorely missed at Royal Birkdale but Els and his rivals plan to take full advantage.

"I'm not overly disappointed he's not here," a smiling Els told reporters in the build-up to the third major of the season.

"For the tournament itself, it's a big blow, and for world golf, not to have the number one player playing, it's very different. You've got to talk about a lot more other players.

"I think he is so far ahead in the race we've kind of sagged back a little bit. Phil (Mickelson) still is the true number two in the world."