Two major champions made it to the final four at the WGC Match Play Saturday but one will be eliminated on Sunday.
Bubba Watson had a stress-free day, getting rid of Kiradech Aphibarnrat in the quarterfinals, 5-and-3 while Justin Thomas had to work a little harder to eliminate pesky Kyle Stanley. Thomas played a steady back nine and edged Stanley 2-and-1.
Watson and Thomas will square off in one Sunday morning semi-final. Thomas has a lot riding on that match. If he wins, he’ll be the new world’s No. 1 in this weeks Official World Golf Rankings.
Alex Noren and Kevin Kisner are the other semi-finalists. Noren eliminated Cameron Smith, 4-and-2 while Kisner scored the most lopsided victory of the week in a total rout of Ian Poulter. Poulter appeared fatigued after winning his morning match and couldn’t put up much of a fight against Kisner. Kisner was seven-up after 10 holes and wound up with an 8-and-6 victory.
Kisner and Noren play, the winner makes it to the finals.
Thomas is the only high seed to make it to Sunday. He was the second overall seed in the field. Noren was 14th, Kisner 32 and Watson 35.