Associated Press
Wednesday, August 30

SURREY, B.C. -- Sergio Garcia was quick to defend Tiger Woods and other top players who are skipping the Air Canada Championship.

	Garcia

"You have to realize there are so many great tournaments, not all the great players can play in all of them," said Garcia, the 20-year-old star who beat Woods 1-up Monday night in their made-for-TV match in Palm Desert, Calif.

"Sometimes you're going to get Tiger and David Duval and Davis Love in a tournament, but you're not going to be able to have them here. They have to rest, too."

Only nine of the PGA Tour's top-50 money-winners are playing in the $3 million tournament at the Northview Golf and Country Club.

"Some of the more well-known guys, after the majors, take the rest of the summer off," said defending champion Mike Weir. "This tournament is going about it the right way. It does everything first class. We're treated better here than anywhere."

Jesper Parnevik, a two-time winner this year who is fifth on the money list, also is in the field along with Mark Calcavecchia, the 1997 winner.

"It's a great chance to do well," Parnevik said. "The field this week is pretty strong. We have a lot of great players. Any time any of the players turn out they turn out to win. It doesn't matter who is in the field, it's hard to win."