San Francisco--Masters champion Jordan Spieth was sent crashing out of the $9.25 million WGC-Championship Match Play on Friday after England's Lee Westwood held his nerve to win a thrilling duel and clinch a place in the last 16.
European Ryder Cup star Westwood recovered from losing the opening two holes to battle back and go one up after draining a 10-foot birdie putt on the 17th at an overcast Harding Park in San Francisco.
Spieth was unable to wrest back the initiative on the 18th, and conceded to give Westwood a two-up victory which sees the 42-year-old English veteran advance to Saturday's knockout rounds.
"Today I had nothing to lose," a delighted Westwood said. "Jordan is arguably the best player in the world at the moment so it was nice to be the underdog for a change.
"I'm pleased with the way I got through it coming down the stretch."
Spieth was philosophical in defeat, saying he was satisfied with his form despite the loss.
"I just had a tough opponent," the 21-year-old prodigy said.
"I've no complaints -- I was 16 under in three rounds. But it's Match Play, so what are you going to do?
"I'm excited about the way I'm playing, it's just a shame it ended like that today."
Both Westwood and Spieth had won their opening round-robin games to set up a winner-takes-all scenario in their final Group 2 game.
The match hinged on a dramatic recovery from Westwood on the 16th when he appeared to have gifted Spieth the lead.
After landing a tee-shot in the bunker, Westwood mis-hit his recovery through the back of the green. A disastrous third shot then landed in the rough just off the green, leaving Spieth poised to go one up.
AFP
