Firestone - six to follow

Half-a-dozen possibles for Akron title

Last updated: 28th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Firestone - six to follow

Garcia: More Spanish success?

Watch all four rounds of the Bridgestone Invitational live on Sky Sports from Thursday

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The absence of Tiger Woods will be felt more sharply this week, than at any time during the world No.1's rehabilitation from injury.

Due to knee surgery and a stress fracture of the tibia, the 32-year-old American is not expected back in action until 2009, which means he is unable to defend his Bridgestone Invitational title at Firestone.

If ever a tournament had become Tiger's own property then this is the one. Not only would he have been chasing a fourth straight victory over the South Course, he would also be seeking a seventh Firestone win since 1999.

Since Firestone became part of the WGC schedule nine years ago, Tiger's record at the venue reads: Eight starts, six wins and two other top-five finishes. Even by his standards this is top quality stuff.

So, whoever comes out on top this week, will probably feel they are simply keeping the seat warm until Tiger plays in the tournament again.

Yet, even without Tiger, this prestigious competition can still boast a tip-top field. Among those teeing-up:

Stewart Cink: One of a handful of players to finish ahead of Tiger at Firestone. Cink, currently inside the world's top-10, won here in 2004 when Woods tied-for-second.

Jim Furyk: Four-times a top-six finisher at Firestone this decade and should be there-or-thereabouts again this week.

Sergio Garcia: Although he has never finished inside the top-10 at Firestone in five visits, cannot be ruled out. Is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Spanish compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal who won by 12 shots over the South Course in 1990 and this summer is fast becoming sport's Year of the Spanish.

Justin Leonard: Runner-up in 2000 and back among the world's top-30 after some good performances this season.

Phil Mickelson: Despite struggling in this event in recent years, Leftie has won at Firestone. His victory came more than a decade ago when the tournament was called the World Series.

Rory Sabbatini: Twice a runner-up over the South Course - including last year - when he led after 54 holes.