The 2008 Spanish Open will have the best possible ending, one that everyone had dreamed of. Ignacio Garrido, in first place at 15 under par, and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, second at 12 under par, will play the featured match of the final day, the star match of the 2008 Spanish Open, starting at 1:16 PM. Most importantly, it will be an all-Spanish match.

The history of this revitalized tournament has lacked Spanish victories since the 2002 edition held in El Cortijo, when Sergio García prevailed, a happy circumstance that had not occurred, looking back, since 1995 and 1985, when Severiano Ballesteros, on both occasions, lifted the champion's trophy.

Rarely, in many years, has the Spanish desire for victory failed to flood the spirit of the many fans who, for the third consecutive day, turned the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla into a true celebration with their massive presence.

Eight strokes separated the two main contenders at the start of the third day, a significant difference that was reduced to just three after the final 18 holes. The growing excitement that characterizes this 2008 Spanish Open intensified even further as Miguel Ángel Jiménez, in the press room, explained his brilliant performance to reporters and revealed his desire for victory.

At that moment, Ignacio Garrido recorded his second bogey of the day on the last hole (the other was on the 13th), which canceled the effect of the two birdies achieved on the 5th and 16th for a total of 72 strokes that allow Ignacio Garrido to comfortably maintain first place… although with the breath on the neck of Miguel Ángel Jiménez, who for the second consecutive day gave an astonishing impression of solidity, 5 under par thanks to 5 timely birdies.

“He’s a real fighting dog,” Ignacio Garrido said of his rival, based on the well-founded reputation of the player from Malaga, who is accustomed to pulling off all sorts of feats in the past. Greater excitement was impossible at this Spanish Open, which had a distinctly Spanish flavor thanks to the brilliant performances of other players like Carlos Rodiles (sixth with -10); Alfredo García Heredia; and José Manuel Lara, tied for eleventh place with -9.

Despite the high expectations and hopes, the outlook is not so clear, as the trio of Englishman Mark Foster, Dane Soren Hansen and Paraguayan Marco Ruiz are only one stroke behind Miguel Ángel Jiménez (and therefore 4 strokes behind leader Garrido), making the final day a whole host of unknowns.

A little further down the leaderboard, specifically in 11th place, is another of the protagonists of the third day and, given his amateur status, one of the protagonists of the Open no matter what he does. This is Englishman Daniel Willett, number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, who turned in a round of 64 strokes (8 under par) that almost equaled the course record at the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla set on the second day by Ignacio Garrido.

Everything, however, depends on what happens from 1:16 pm onwards in a duel that, rather than being between foreigners, is between Spaniards.

IN FRONT OF THE MICROPHONE
Ignacio Garrido: “Jiménez is a gentleman” (1st with 201 strokes. Today, 72, par)
The stage is set for a showdown. Ignacio Garrido and Miguel Ángel Jiménez will share the spotlight in a star-studded pairing, vying for the win. The mere presence of the man from Málaga might unsettle the leader, but for him, “there’s no better partner to play with.” “I prefer playing with Miguel Ángel, who is a gentleman and, win or lose, will behave as such. On the court, though, he’s a real fighter,” joked the man from Madrid, who lamented the missed birdie opportunities. “I played well for two and a half rounds, as well as the previous days, I had my birdie chances, but this is golf and today I didn’t take them,” he said.
Ignacio Garrido admitted he was “less accurate” on the back nine. “I really made mistakes on three shots, on the 10th, 11th, and 13th, but my pace is still good. Luckily, being in the lead, a couple of bad shots aren't so bad,” said the leader.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez: “I’m going to put pressure on Garrido” (2nd with 204 strokes. Today, 67, 5 under par)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez isn't content with his second-place position with one round to go, that much is clear. “Ignacio Garrido is the leader and doesn't need to attack anyone, but the rest of us up there have to attack him and take risks. I, of course, am going to do it,” said the golfer from Churriana after his round of 67 strokes (5 under par). The man from Málaga, however, put aside any potential rivalries and asserted that, if he doesn't win, “I hope Garrido does, he's a hard-working guy who deserves it.”.
Regarding his round, Miguel Ángel Jiménez – who was presented with a box of cigars at the end – noted that he had “many birdie opportunities that he missed.” Even so, he described his game as “very good and consistent.”.

AROUND THE GREEN
Danny Willet, a true number 1
British golfer Daniel Willett is no ordinary amateur, far from it. A player capable of reaching the Spanish Open and carding a round of 64 (8 under par) can't be one. His victory over Jordi García Pinto in the Copa del Rey final a few months ago served as his introduction, and his performance yesterday is a clear confirmation of what he's capable of. His excellent results this season have propelled him to number 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, ahead of the stars of American college golf.

The courtesy cars are ready.
The spectacle at the Spanish Open unfolds both on and off the course, as is typical of top-tier sporting events. In addition to the spectacular shots of players like Ignacio Garrido and others, the public has been drawn to the fleet of 25 stunning BMW X3s serving as courtesy cars. Players arrive at and depart from the course in these magnificent vehicles, equipped with all the comforts of the German automaker.
The BMW Z4 coupé on display in the center of the Shopping Area, opposite the results panel, also attracted considerable attention. Children took the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the impressive car.

Garrido and Jiménez, two old acquaintances
Ignacio Garrido and Miguel Ángel Jiménez will play the final match of the fourth day of the Spanish Open, generating considerable excitement. Although the rivalry for the title will be fierce, the two are old acquaintances who have played together on occasion, such as in the 2003 World Cup. Conversely, one of their most memorable encounters took place at the 2006 Spanish Professional Championships, where Garrido emerged victorious and Jiménez finished third. However, they have never faced each other in the final round with the title at stake.

Committed to the Spanish
As the competition nears its end, the crowd is noticeably rallying behind their favorite players. With John Daly now out of contention, the majority of the audience is focused on the numerous Spaniards still in the running. The match between Miguel Ángel Jiménez and José Manuel Lara was watched by nearly a thousand people, some of whom waved Spanish flags bearing the names of the two players.

The Garrido family can make history.
Ignacio Garrido will face the final 18 holes with his sights set on achieving one of the most important victories of his career and…making history alongside his father, the legendary Antonio Garrido. They could become the first father and son to win the Spanish Open. Interestingly, Antonio won it at the Pals course in 1972, the same year Ignacio was born.

The children at Real are having fun
The players' behavior towards the members of the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla at this Spanish Open has been exemplary. The kindness of the club members and the perfect organization of the tournament have made the golfers feel right at home, and this translates into small details that, in the eyes of the children, mean a great deal. For example, Australian Mark Pilkington's impromptu putting competition with a dozen children from the club – even correcting their positions – or the balls that Chilean Felipe Aguilar raffled off among the children who came to watch him practice, are details that speak to the excellent atmosphere of this Open.

Hole 16, the leader's talisman
Ignacio Garrido has found his lucky charm at the 16th hole of the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla. Three birdies in as many rounds prove it. Conversely, the player from Somosaguas has never managed to break par on the 4th, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 15th holes. Will he do so on the decisive day?

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2008 SPANISH OPEN