VIRGINIA WATER, England — The World Matchplay Championship is moving to southern Spain with a new format after 44 years at Wentworth, England.

There will be no event this year and the new Champions League format starts from 2009 at the Finca Cortesin Golf Club near Malaga.

The 16 players, including defending champion Ernie Els, will be split into four groups, playing each other over 18 holes on the first two days.

The leading players from each group will contest semifinals on Saturday, before Sunday's final. There will be a $5 million purse.