Unfortunate WGC exit hits Hatton

Tyrrell Hatton consoled himself with the prospect of his Masters debut after hisWGC-DellTechnologies Match Play campaign came to a highly unfortunate end.

The Englishman’s defeat to Rafa Cabrera Bello in the final round of group matches meant the pair went into a play-off with Charles Howell to determine who would advance to the last 16 at Austin Country Club in Texas.

But after missing a birdie putt on the first play-off hole, Hatton accidentally touched his ball as he prepared to tap in for par and failed to replace it before holing out.

That meant a two-shot penalty and saw the world number 14 eliminated, while Howell went on to secure victory at the fifth extra hole and set up a clash with Spain’s Jon Rahm, who had earlier thrashed compatriot Sergio Garcia 6&4.

Hatton said: “Straight away you have to call it on yourself. Obviously it’s a disappointing day.

“You just have to try and pick yourself up and hopefully I can have a good week at the Masters. That gives me something to smile about at the moment. I can’t wait for that.”

Phil Mickelson remained on course for his first win since the 2013 Open by beating JB Holmes 6&5 to progress with three wins out of three. England’s Ross Fisher edged past former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen in a play-off to set up a last-16 clash with Bubba Watson.