Classy Casey did his job splendidly

Classy Casey did his job splendidly

Last year's runner-up Casey, seeded sixth and the highest-ranked player left in, has still to go beyond the 14th hole after making little-known American Brian Gay his third 5&4 victim.

Poulter beat Indian Jeev Milkha Singh by the same comprehensive margin but Wilson was involved in a thriller with compatriot Luke Donald.

The Mansfield golfer, still seeking his first professional title, looked set to win on the last when he hit his approach close but Donald made a 50-footer for a dramatic half.

On the second extra hole, Donald was much the closer but Wilson rolled home a birdie putt from nearly 40 feet and Donald missed from less than 12.

Casey next plays Open champion Stewart Cink, second and third the last two years, while Wilson faces Sergio Garcia and Poulter is up against Thai Thongchai Jaidee, a 5&4 winner over young Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa.

A superb pitch to four feet on the fourth levelled things up and Paul Casey then ran away with the contest around the turn with five more birdies in six holes.

Poulter, with a chance to go to a career-high fifth in the world by reaching Sunday's 36-hole final, was the only other top 10 seed to survive the first two days.

An 11-foot birdie putt was the perfect start, but once again it was the middle section of the round that settled things.

Poulter went two-up with a 15-footer on the fifth, Singh bogeyed the eighth and 10th and then could not match Poulter's birdie on the long next.

Cink had to make an 18-footer on the last to stay alive against South African Charl Schwartzel, then birdied the first extra hole for the win.

Watney and Goosen were even going into the 18th hole. But Watney missed a 6-foot putt for par to help Goosen to make it to the quarterfinals for the third time.

Villegas won four of the last seven holes to beat Crane.

The tournament seemed to become an afterthought to the golf world in the glare of Tiger Woods' public apology Friday, except for the competitors. However, Tiger Woods remains unsure about when to return.

discount golf clubs recommended:
Cleveland CG 4 Irons
Cleveland CG 2 Irons




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