Ian Poulter loses Volvo World Match Play Championship opener

Ian Poulter has lost his opening group game at the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria.

The Ryder Cup hero lost 3&2 to Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, despite getting off to a great start with three straight birdies.

However, four bogeys and a double bogey means that he must beat South Africa's Thomas Aiken in order to advance to the last 16.

His Ryder Cup teammate, and defending champion, Nicolas Colsaerts did not fare much better, losing 4&3 to Branden Grace.

A victory over Kiradech Aphibarnrat will see him through to the quarter-finals, just as it did a year ago against Charl Schwartzel.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Francesco Molinari and Graeme McDowell.