2012 WGC Match Play: Senden v Day in round 2

Six Aussies took to the fairways in the WGC Accenture Match Play on the opening day, and only two made it through to day two.

Jason Day and John Senden were the only Aussies to win their matches in the opening round of the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship. And as the draw would have it, both of them will be facing each other tomorrow.

Jason Day’s victory was a fighting one. Day found himself three shots down on two separate occasions during his match against Rafael Cabrera-Bello, but eventually leveled the match at the final hole. He then birdied the playoff hole to secure an amazing come-back victory.

“I felt like I just won the tournament,” Day admitted. “I did kind of just scrape through, but I’m glad I stuck in there and didn’t give up.”

John Senden’s match against Simon Dyson was a more subdued affair. Senden was 3up after five holes and was never really in danger of losing. Senden eventually won the match at the 15th hole.

Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Greg Chalmers and Aaron Baddeley all lost with Adam Scott’s defeat at the hands of Robert Rock probably the most unexpected.

Jason Day v John Senden
Although these guys would have played practise rounds, there must be something to be said for playing the full course like Day did today. He was clutch over the final few holes and will go into tomorrow’s with a fair bit of confidence.

Senden is just so consistent though and can put pressure on with an eagle here and there like he did on the second hole this morning. He is a great match play golfer and after picking all but Adam Scott’s matches correctly yesterday, I’m predicting an upset here.< Prediction: Senden 2up

It is a pity that these two guys have to face each other so early in the tournament. But look on the bright side, at least we’ll have an Aussie in the round of 16.