CASARES, Spain (AP) — Top-ranked Lee Westwood was eliminated from the World Match Play Championship in Andalusia at the last-16 stage Saturday, leaving the door open for English rival Luke Donald or Germany’s Martin Kaymer to take over as No. 1.
Westwood lost by 1 hole to Ryder Cup teammate Ian Poulter, ending the top seed’s hopes of a third straight tournament victory.
Donald crept into the quarterfinals by coming from 2 down with three holes to play against Sweden’s Johan Edfors to force a playoff, which the second-ranked player won on the first hole.
Third-ranked Kaymer was a more comfortable winner, defeating Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen 3 and 2.
The quarterfinals are set to be played later Saturday.
Kaymer or Donald will go to the top of the rankings if either wins the tournament.
