MARANA, Ariz. — Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods now have plenty of company — somewhere other than the Match Play Championship.
One day after the best two players in the world went home, more top seeds followed Friday when golf’s most unpredictable tournament served up another reminder that the only time the word “upset" should be used is to describe the guys who are no longer playing.
Luke Donald, the No. 3 seed who is regarded among the best in match play, suffered his worst loss in 25 matches at this tournament. Louis Oosthuizen (No. 4) and Justin Rose (No. 5) never even reached the 17th tee when it was time for them to leave.
When another wild day ended at Dove Mountain, Masters champion Bubba Watson was the last man standing among the top 10 seeds.
“This game ... it’s a toss-up," Watson said after going 22 holes to beat Jim Furyk. “You can’t really judge who’s going to win, or bet who’s going to win. It really means nothing, is what I’m saying."
It was the first time since this World Golf Championship began in 1999 that only one top-10 seed was remaining after two rounds.
“I think we’re beyond surprises, in this event especially," Graeme McDowell said after needing 20 holes to beat Alex Noren. “Anybody can have a great day and anybody can have a tough day. It’s what makes the game exciting, and it’s what makes this game extremely fickle and extremely frustrating."
Donald, who birdied his last two holes Thursday to win his opening match, didn’t know what hit him. Scott Piercy won the first three holes, and if that wasn’t enough, he hit a 4-iron into the cup for eagle on the fifth hole and was on his way to a 7-and-6 win.
Defending champion Hunter Mahan had an easy time with Richard Sterne to win his eighth straight match, and next faces the last player to beat him in this event — Martin Kaymer, who defeated Rafael Cabrera Bello of Spain.
For full results, see Scoreboard, above.
Also on Friday:
Lewis leads in Thailand
CHONBURI, Thailand — Stacy Lewis shot a 3-under 69 to keep her three-stroke lead after the second round of the LPGA Thailand. Lewis had five birdies and two bogeys for a 12-under 132 total. Thai teenager Ariya Jutanugarn shot a bogey-free 66 in windy and humid conditions to move into second place.
