 |
| Getty Images |
Graeme McDowell’s best display in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship ended at the quarter-final stage as the Northern Irishman was beaten one up by Jason Day.
Having seen off fellow Irishman Shane Lowry – the man who took down World Number One Rory McIlroy in the first round – at the start of the day, the Australian proved a step too far for the former US Open Champion.
McDowell went one up when his opponent conceded the first, and doubled his advantage at the third when he followed a magnificent tee shot with a successful 15 foot birdie putt.
However, The Ryder Cup star had to deal with consistently being 20-30 yards back from his opponent off the tee, and three bogeys in his next four holes allowed Day to draw level.
The 25 year old went ahead for the first time at the 11th, but missed a six footer at the 16th to leave matters all square again.
McDowell’s errant tee shot at the next prove costly, though; he was unable to salvage par from the left rough and when his birdie effort drifted by at the last Day was left with a simple three foot par putt for the contest.
Day will face Matt Kuchar in the semi-final after the American ended the challenges of Nicolas Colsaerts and Robert Garrigus on day four.
“It was very stressful out there today,” said Day. “I feel like my mind is going every which way right now.
“Just to play the way I did on the back nine was very, very special. The whole game today felt really, really nice, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
“Myself and G-Mac, we really didn't play our best, but you've just got to do enough.
“I've got Matt Kuchar tomorrow, and I know he's very slow and steady, hits a lot of fairways and greens and can roll the rock when he can, and I'm looking forward to that.”
No comments:
Post a Comment