Intro:

Defending champion Graeme McDowell starts his bid for back-to-back World Match Play titles with a 3&2 win over Alexander Lévy.

Script:

The World Match Play Championship began on Wednesday in the 50th anniversary of the prestigious event.

Graeme McDowell began the defence of his World Match Play title by beating France's Alexander Levy 3&2.

Four birdies in the first six holes set the Northern Ireland player on his way at the London Golf Club near Maidstone.

George Coetzee scrambled for an up-and-down off the 18th green to grab a half against world No 5 and top seed in the competition Henrik Stenson.

Stenson missed a five-foot putt for birdie and his three-putt gave Coetzee the chance to half the match, which he took by sinking from a similar length to grab a point.

Englishman Paul Casey survived a remarkable comeback to beat Jamie Donaldson of Wales 2up.

Donaldson came from three down to square the match in the space of four holes, but Casey just edged back in front to take the two points.