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Aggressive plan for Poulter

World number 13 promises positive attack

By Rachel Griffiths Last updated: 25th November 2009

Poulter: Promising aggressive approach

I just think we will need to attack the better ball format and if we can get the most out of that and if we can shoot eight, nine, 10-under-par in that format, I think we have got a great chance

Ian Poulter
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Ian Poulter is looking to launch an aggressive attack in a bid to secure England World Cup victory at Mission Hills in China.

Poulter joins forces with Ross Fisher again, with the duo having finished sixth last year after outstanding final round foursomes, although they were 12 shots adrift of winners Sweden.

World number 13 Poulter returns to the competition in top form, having ended his three-year wait for a title in Singapore and then secured consecutive top-10 finishes in Hong Kong and Dubai.

Fisher, meanwhile, claimed the Volvo World Match Play Championship crown in Spain during the same week his colleague celebrated success on Sentosa.

"I like the way Ross hits it, he is a strong player," said Poulter.

"It's certainly nice to play foursomes with him, he hits it long and straight which is great.

"Hopefully I can give him plenty of chances and vice-versa.

"We shot seven under in foursomes last year on Sunday to run straight up that leader board so we know we can play in foursomes.

"I just think we will need to attack the better ball format and if we can get the most out of that and if we can shoot eight, nine, 10-under-par in that format, I think we have got a great chance."

Title defence

World number seven and Players Championship winner Henrik Stenson will renew his partnership with Robert Karlsson as they campaign to defend their crown on the heavily bunkered course.

Karlsson, who only came back in October following a four-month recovery from an eye injury, lost a play-off to European Challenge Tour number one Edoardo Molinari at the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament in Japan last week.

The 28-team line-up features some formidable partnerships, with world number eight Sergio Garcia teaming up with Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano for Spain and Rory McIlroy making his World Cup debut for Ireland alongside Graeme McDowell in an equally impressive combination.

Martin Kaymer will help fly the flag for Germany and US PGA Championship winner YE Yang will feature for South Korea.

Poulter revealed he is looking forward to some tough competition and reviving his partnership with Fisher.

"There are a lot of strong teams and it is going to be a lot of fun," added Poulter.

"We get on nicely, we have only known each other for a few years, but we get on well and that's always nice.

"His win at the Match Play is good timing so hopefully it will also work very well."