Poulter shows Match Play mettle

Last updated: 23rd February 2013

England's Ian Poulter is through to the last eight of the Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson after a commanding victory over Tim Clark.

Poulter, who won the tournament back in 2010 and proved his Match Play credentials at last year's Ryder Cup, needed only one birdie in his first nine holes to go 3-up at the halfway stage, thanks to a number of bogeys from the South African.

A par at the third had Poulter further in command and a birdie at the sixth saw him wrap up a comfortable 5 and 3 win.

Robert Garrigus earlier became the first player to book a place in the quarterfinals when he defeated Fredrik Jacobson 3 and 1.

Garrigus was the first player to tee off on Saturday morning amid icy cold conditions that forced a 45-minute delay.

American Hunter Mahan, the defending champion this week, also progressed after a dominant 5 and 4 win over Germany's Martin Kaymer.

Matt Kuchar beat Nicolas Colsaerts 4 and 3 to book his last eight spot, while Steve Stricker had a 1up win over Scott Piercy.

Graeme McDowell is the only other remaining European aside from Poulter. The Northern Irishman beat Shane Lowry 3 and 2.

Webb Simpson beat Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 2up at the 18th hole, while Jason Day kept the Australian flag flying with a 4 and 3 win over Masters champ Bubba Watson.

The quarterfinals were set to follow immediately after the completion of the round of 16, to make up for time lost due to bad weather on the first two days.