CARLSBAD, Calif. – Even after the most lopsided defeat in the history of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, Stephen Ames wouldn’t eat his words.

The Canadian’s backhanded compliment broadcast on The Golf Channel Monday night appeared to have backfired as he was dusted by Tiger Woods 9 and 8 in the first round of the $7.5 million tournament.

Ames gained entry into the year’s first World Golf Championships event on Monday when Thomas Bjorn withdrew with a shoulder injury. As the last player in the elite field of 64, his first round opponent was to be the game’s No. 1.

“How he goes about scoring from where he hits it -- that’s the amazing thing,” Ames told The Golf Channel. “That’s the mark of a true champion. As bad as he hits it, he still manages to win golf tournaments.”

Ames also told the Associated Press, “Anything can happen, especially where he's hitting the ball." Associated Press golf writer Doug Ferguson was quick to point out in his story that Ames was smiling when he said it.

Woods, though, had the last word Wednesday as he birdied seven of his first eight holes – including the first six straight – on the way to the emphatic victory. “It’s been a while since I played (nine holes) like that,” he said. “I just hit a lot of good shots today.”

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When a reporter asked if he was aware of Ames’ comments after the match, Woods cut the question short. “Yes,” he said.

And what was your reaction? “9 and 8,” Woods said simply.

So the comments – which Woods called fair, but not something he would say about another player -- lit a fire under you? “You might say that,” he said. Urged to elaborate further, Woods, who plays Robert Allenby on Thursday, again answered, “9 and 8.”

As the rest of the first round matches wound to their conclusions and Woods had long since left the interview area, Ames was hitting balls on the left side of the range at La Costa Resort & Spa. He said he didn’t regret his comments.

“Not at all,” Ames said, pausing between swings. “I think he wanted to prove something to himself and to the general public – hey, I can hit it straight. That’s not me quoting, that’s the media quoting.”

Told that Woods said Ames’ comments fired him up, the Canadian shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

“Glad I did,” Ames said. “He played very well. I think he’s where he wants to be with his swing. He’s definitely driving it better.”