Watson ends Kiradech’s big adventure
AUSTIN: Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s glorious run at the WGC Match Play Championship was stopped by American left-hander Bubba Watson in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Thai was beaten 5 & 3 by the former two-time Masters champion, who earned a semi-final showdown with reigning FedExCup No.1 Justin Thomas at the Austin Country Club. Thomas can become the new world No.1 if he beats Watson to get into the final.
Kiradech, unbeaten entering the quarterfinals, was level with Watson after nine holes, but lost four straight holes to gift the bighitting left-hander a semi-final spot.
Earlier in the round of 16, Kiradech brilliantly came from 1-down with two holes to play to defeat American Charles Howell III, thanks to gutsy birdies on 17 and 18 which enabled him to enjoy his best finish at the WGC Match Play.
His finish will enable Kiradech to break into the world’s top-30 for the first time at 27th position.
Second seed Thomas, who won his first major title at last August’s PGA Championship, routed South Korean Kim Si-Woo 6 & 5 in the round of 16 and saw off fellow American Kyle Stanley 2 & 1 in the quarter-finals.
Sweden’s Alexander Noren will face American Kevin Kisner in the other semi-final.
“All I can do is go play the best I can,” Thomas said. “[Bubba] has been showing some really good form. He’s a really great player. I have to hope he doesn’t have a hot day.”
Watson, seeded 35th, edged Brian Harman 2 & 1 in the round of 16.
“We were just trying to put the ball in position, trying to give us the best birdie chances. The pin placements are in some tough spots around here,” said Watson, whose only other semi-final run ended in a 2011 loss to Germany’s Martin Kaymer.
Top-ranked Dustin Johnson crashed out in group play to give the No.1 opportunity to Thomas, who along with Noren were the only group top seeds to advance.
With the start of the Masters looming on April 5 at Augusta National, Thomas could join Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth in reaching world No.1 before the age of 25.
Kisner thrashed Ian Poulter 8 & 6 in the quarter-finals, the most lopsided win ever so deep into the event, after edging compatriot Matt Kuchar 1 up.
Noren eliminated Patrick Reed 5 & 3 in the round of 16 and downed Cameron Smith 4&2 in the quarter-finals.