Sports

Nerves won’t get to surging Angel

AUGUSTA, Ga. — It seems like old times for Angel Cabrera. The 2009 Masters champ heads into a Masters Sunday with a chance to win his second Green Jacket. The Argentinean will be playing in the final group today alongside Brandt Snedeker.

Cabrera drained a birdie on the 18th hole to shoot a 3-under 69 yesterday and tie Snedeker for a share of the lead at 7-under par.

“I think it’s important obviously to make that birdie,” Cabrera said. “But for my confidence, it’s good to be in the second or next-to-last group.”

Cabrera is a streaky player who won here in 2009 by shooting 68-68-69-71. He was second going into the final round in 2011, but shot 71 and finished seventh. He has battled injuries since then, but said he feels healthy and ready to contend today.

“It’s more about execution and about patience,” Cabrera said. “I don’t think it’s a big advantage that I’ve won before. It’s more about patience. There’s not a lot of margin for error. I’ve just got to play well so I can win the tournament.”

This is Cabrera’s 14th Masters. He also won the 2007 U.S. Open. His experience could give him an edge.

MASTERS LEADERBOARD

“I think it’s important that you know where to miss,” he said. “That’s very important, to know where to miss. And when you’ve played so many times or many years this tournament, it really helps just the fact that you know where you can miss a shot.”

Nicknamed “El Gato,” Cabrera shouldn’t be rattled by being in the hunt again.

“In 2009, I was nervous, anxious,” he said. “But now I’m very comfortable. I know what I’ve got to do tomorrow to be able to get the win.”