Poulter eyes match play lift

Ian Poulter admits he is looking to impress Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal in this week's Volvo World Match Play Championship.

The 36-year-old has not enjoyed the best of fortunes so far this season with just two top-10 finishes around the world at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Masters. He looked to be back on form when leading last week's Players Championship after the first 18 holes, only to slip out of contention as the tournament progressed to finish in a share of 25th place at Sawgrass. But now the Englishman is back at a happy hunting ground as he is the defending champion at this week's event and is keen to put on a solid display at Spain's Finca Cortesin Golf Club. Poulter was one of the heroes of the 2010 European Ryder Cup team that beat the Americans by the narrowest of margins at Celtic Manor under the guidance of Colin Montgomerie. And he has made it clear that the prospect of playing in the prestigious event later this year in Chicago will be on his mind as he returns to a format of the game that he enjoys. "I love the cut and thrust of match play and find it a refreshing change from the usual strokeplay we play week in and week out on the tour," he said. "And, with the fact it is a Ryder Cup year, it will be a chance to impress Olazabal in what is out final chance to play match play before Medinah."