Y.E. Yang
Y.E. Yang was the last Asian standing after the dust settled following the second round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship on Thursday which saw the exit of several more big names.
The Korean star, the first Asian to win a Major at the 2009 PGA Championship, defeated American Stewart Cink 4 & 3 to move into the round of 16 where he will now face reigning US Open champion Graeme McDowell.
K.J. Choi, like Yang an Asian Tour honorary member, lost 5 & 4 to Ryan Moore of the United States in a match which he led early before being dominated by the American.
Cink was coming off an upset of defending champion Ian Poulter on the opening day but found Yang a different kettle of fish. The Korean strongman never trailed in the match and booked his place in the third round on the 15th green.
“I think Stewart had an off-day today,” said Yang. “I just maintained my conservative play, and it faired quite well.”
Cink's troubles began early when his tee shot at the first hole strayed right into the desert and he ended up conceding the hole. He lost the fifth hole with a double bogey after another errant drive into the native area that necessitated a drop, but he got that back with a birdie at the seventh.
Yang then won the eighth hole with a two-foot birdie putt and went 3 up at the ninth when Cink made bogey. Another Yang birdie at the par-5 11th, this time from 17 feet, coupled with Cink's bogey at the 12th hole gave the Korean a commanding lead at 5 up and it was just a matter of time. Until today, Yang had yet to reach the quarterfinals in two previous appearances at the Accenture Match Play Championship.
Following the exit of Poulter and Tiger Woods on the first day, world number one Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Rory McIlroy were all bundled out in the second round at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Arizona.
