RUSSELL Knox must beat Masters Champion Danny Willett later today 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 on day two of the $US 9.75m event in the Texas capital.
The 30-year old Kim, who had played alongside the Scot for the opening two rounds of Knox’s 2015 WGC triumph in Shanghai, never gave his opponent a chance racing to 4-up through eight holes.
It was not to the ninth Knox won a hole with a par to get back to 3-down and then 2-down when he also pared the 11th to Kim's second straight bogey.
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 again 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 now facing American Bill Haas who also beat Willett.
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.
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