Hadwin could cost Johnson No. 1 ranking

No one could beat Dustin Johnson a year ago. Now he can’t beat anyone in the Dell Technologies Match Play.

The world’s No. 1 player was eliminated from his group Thursday when he fell behind early and lost 4 and 3 to Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. Johnson earlier lost to Bernd Wiesberger in the opening round.

This is Johnson’s last tournament before the Masters.

His elimination paves the way for Justin Thomas to reach No. 1 in the world if he can win the Match Play this week.

Also Thursday, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed won their matches for a second straight day to set up a showdown on the skirts of Hill Country in Texas. They play Friday to determine who wins the group and advances to the weekend of this World Golf Championship event.

Spieth dodged trouble early against Li Haotong, who missed putts inside eight feet on two of the opening three holes, won the second hole when Spieth hit into a hazard and thought he won the fourth hole until Spieth matched his birdie by chipping in from short of the green.

Spieth never trailed and pulled away with a savvy play over the water and into the wind on the par-4 13th. He hit driver well to the right toward the gallery, which gave him a clear look at the green without having to hit over any of the lake. His pitchand-run settled a foot away for birdie and a 2-up lead and Spieth closed him out 4 and 2.

Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson still have life.

McIlroy had an easy time beating Jhonattan Vegas, while Brian Harman knocked out Peter Uihlein in the other match in their group. Harman will win the group if he beats McIlroy on Friday; McIlroy has to win to have any chance of making it to the weekend.