Lowry sneaks matchplay spot

Last updated: 11th February 2013

Shane Lowry has secured a spot at the prestigious Accenture Match Play Championship by 0.0002 world ranking points.

The 64-man field for the tournament is based on Monday's world rankings, and with Phil Mickelson confirming he will not be taking part for the second year running, Lowry qualifies based on his ranking of 65th in the world.

Richard Sterne grabbed his place on Sunday when he won the Joburg Open, rocketing from 94th to 55th in the rankings. As a result, Fredrik Jacobson needed to finish at worst seventh on his own at Pebble Beach to nudge ahead of Lowry, but the Swede could only manage tied seventh.

It was agonising stuff for Jacobson who saw Patrick Reed birdie the last, despite missing the fairway from the tee, to draw level with Jacobson and ensure Lowry ended the week 0.0002 ranking points ahead of Jacobson.