Former US Open champion, Graeme McDowell will play Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee in the final of the Volvo World Match-Play Championship in Bulgaria.

McDowell, who was runner-up in the event last year, defeated South African Branden Grace 3 & 2 in this morning’s semi-final on the Thracian Cliffs course.

“That was the best I’ve played this week with eight birdies and no bogeys, and I knew I was playing a quality player in Branden Grace and I had to come out and play well but the conditions were absolutely perfect for scoring,” said McDowell.

Graeme McDowell strolling to his semi-final victory against Branden Grace. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Jaidee, at 43 and the oldest player to tee up in the 24-player field, was never behind in his match against South African Thomas Aiken also winning  3 & 2 to set a Euro 800,000 winner’s showdown against McDowell ranked No. 8 in the world and 55 places higher than the Thai golfer.

“I had another good start today and with the birdie on the fourth I was 3 up, so my game has been very solid this week,” said Jaidee.

“I hit a lot of good iron shots this morning that went quite close to the pin and that was the key for my win, so I am also enjoying my golf.

“I now have a tough match against Graeme and I will enjoy that and try my best to see if I can win.”

Victory will see the winner earn a first prize cheque of Euro 800,000.

Jaidee has the added incentive of knowing  he will break into the top-50 on the World Rankings no matter if he wins or loses that would see him contest next month’s US Open in Pennsylvania.