Day moves on with comeback win in WGC

Jason Day admitted to briefly thinking his number was up before fighting back to win a gripping second-round match at the WGC Match Play Championship on Thursday.

Day eventually prevailed in 22 holes over American Billy Horschel to set up a third-round date with South African George Coetzee, but he looked dead and buried at 3-down through nine and wedged inside a desert bush on the 10th.

Despite making a bogey, Day claimed a critical half when Horschel three-putted from 40-feet and with the change in momentum he mounted his comeback charge.

The world No.11 won the next two holes to be just one down and squared the contest through 16 holes.

Neither man flinched until Day claimed birdie on the fourth hole of sudden death to ensure the gutsy win.

“Through nine I was a little concerned but for him to three-putt the 10th was a big momentum swing for me,” Day said.

“I was still three down but momentum is huge in match play.

“I just pressed forward and I knew if I kept going I could wear him down and while it took 22 holes I got him in the end.

“I’m just really glad to get the win as it didn’t look good early and Billy seemed like he was going to beat me pretty handily.

“It doesn’t matter how you get it done, as long as you get it done.”

Day will now focus on getting off to a better start against world No.59 Coetzee who had to play 21 holes before dismissing American Patrick Reed.

“I am looking forward to tomorrow. I was more tired after yesterday’s round but now I actually feel great and energised for tomorrow,” Day said.

“I’d like to get off to a better start but if I am behind again I will fight and grind again until I can’t anymore.”

World No.3 and top seed Swede Henrik Stenson was ousted by South African Louis Oosthuizen, continuing a recent curse where no overall top seed has made it past round two since 2008.

Major champions Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel were also sent packing earlier then expected.

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