Australia’s John Senden is quietly confident of causing the biggest upset on the opening day of the Volvo World Match-Play Championship and that is the scalp of defending champion, Ian Poulter.

Senden is making his first appearance in the elite event being played for a last time on the Finca Cortesin course on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Australia's John Senden driving off the 1st during Wednesday's Pro-Am. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

In contrast, Poulter last year bundled out Francesco Molinari, squared his match against Paul Lawrie and then defeated Lee Westwood.  He then beat Molinari in the quarter final and Nicolas Colsaerts in the semi-final before taking care of Luke Donald 2 & 1 in the final.

But while the Queensland-born Senden has not had the wealth of match-play experience as Poulter he believes he can handle the flamboyant Englishman.

“I finished ninth in the Accenture Match-Play Championship earlier this year beating Jason Day and Simon Dyson,” said Senden.

“I know that it’s going to be a tough match against ‘Poults’ but as long as I stick to my game I should be fine.  He’s had a lot of match-play experience and we all know how passionate he becomes at the time of the Ryder Cup but I’m confident I can take it to him.

“It would be a good scalp to secure beating him.  He’s a pretty confident fellow but I’m sure we’ll have a good match.”

It’s been a welcome return to Spain’s Costa del Sol for Senden.

“It was a very long time ago but I was at San Roque for European Tour qualifying when I first competed in Spain,” he said.

“I then played in a few Spanish Open’s as a European Tour member, at El Prat and in Madrid, before moving to the States full time but this Finca Cortsein course is very different to the courses I’ve played in Spain.

“But I’m looking forward to the week and hopefully I will be still talking to you Sunday night.”