Austin, TX …
Russell Knox must now defeat Masters Champion Danny Willett to have any chance of making his way to the final 16 in the WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship in Austin, Texas.
Knox, who comfortably won his opening match on Wednesday, struggled and was never in front before losing 3 & 1 to South Korean opponent K T Kim.
The 30-year old Kim, who had played alongside the Scot for the opening two rounds of Knox’s 2015 WGC triumph in Shanghai, hardly gave Knox a chance racing to 4up through eight holes.
It was not to the ninth before Knox won a hole to get back to 3-down and then 2-down when he parred the 11th.
Russell Knox day two 2017 WGC Dell Match Play Championship (Photo – European Tour).
However, Kim went back to 3-up with a birdie at 14 and while he conceded the 16th to Knox, the South Korean took full advantage of Knox’s poor tee shot that was some 80-foot right of the flag while Kim put his to 10-feet.
When Knox missed his birdie putt he extended his hand to Kim conceding the hole and the match.
“I knew I would be in for a tough match as K T’s a tough player but when I found myself four down through eight I knew I was pretty much screwed,” said Knox.
“He just holed everything out there today and like he was three under in very windy conditions before I won my first hole at nine.
“I had a chance after he conceded 16 if I hit the shot I wanted to on 17 but the wind destroyed it and then I left my putt outside of his, and that was the match.
“So, it’s all to play for tomorrow and I just that I can beat Danny that Bill takes care of K T.
“The one strong point today for me was that my driving was really good missing just two fairways, so that’s another good confidence boost.”
The win gives Kim two points after beating Willett a day earlier and he now faces American Bill Haas who also beat the hapless Willett 4 & 2.
But even if Knox wins his match against Willett, Kim will advance with a victory over Haas.
“If all goes to plan K T, Bill and myself will be in a play-off,” said Knox.
And if Knox gets his wish it will be the best three-hole aggregate total to decide the player to advance.
