Im Sungjae's Comeback "1 Win 1 Loss After Beating Mitchell"... Can He Advance to the Round of 16?

Dell Technologies Match Play Day 2: Big Win by 5 Holes "Next Opponent is 'PO Champ' Cantlay", Power's "2 Wins Surprise"

Im Sung-jae is discussing course strategy with his caddie at the 9th hole on the second day of the Dell Technologies Match Play. Austin, USA - Photo by Getty Images/Multibits

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] It is the comeback of ‘21st seed’ Im Sung-jae (24).

On the 25th (Korean time), at the Austin Golf Club in Texas, USA (par 71, 7,108 yards), during the second day of the World Golf Championships (WGC) Series Dell Technologies Match Play (total prize money $12 million), he crushed Keith Mitchell (USA) by 5 holes. With a preliminary record of 1 win and 1 loss, his next opponent is ‘Playoff (PO) Champion’ Patrick Cantlay (USA). The format divides 64 players into 16 groups, playing three rounds of group matches like the World Cup soccer, and then the top player from each group advances to the round of 16 for a ‘1-on-1 match’ knockout stage.

Im Sung-jae started well by securing two holes with ‘stepping stone birdies’ on holes 1 and 3. Although he fell behind by one hole due to a tee shot mistake on hole 4 (par 3), he regained momentum by winning holes 5 and 6, leading by 3 holes. He conceded hole 8 (par 4), but birdied holes 9, 12, and 15 consecutively to complete a ‘5-hole margin victory.’ It is interesting that Seamus Power (Ireland), the ‘42nd seed’ in the same group, leads with 2 wins. He caused an upset by defeating Cantlay by 5 holes.

Kim Si-woo is disappointed immediately after putting on the 4th hole of the second day of the Dell Technologies Match Play. Austin, USA=Getty Images/Multivitz Photo by Multivitz

Even if Im Sung-jae beats Cantlay, there is a scenario where he fails to advance to the round of 16 along with Power’s 3 wins. ‘48th seed’ Kim Si-woo (27) also faces difficulties securing a ‘round of 16 ticket’ in Group 13 after losing to Tyrrell Hatton (England) by 1 hole. After a tight battle over 17 holes, a bogey on the 18th hole (par 4) halted his progress. In the remaining matches, Kim must defeat ‘52nd seed’ Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa), and then hope Hatton loses to Berger, which is a ‘possible scenario.’

While world No. 1 Jon Rahm (Spain) and No. 3 Viktor Hovland (Norway) are smoothly progressing with 2 wins, No. 2 Collin Morikawa (USA) is engaged in a fierce battle for the top spot with Sergio Garcia (Spain), holding 1 win and 1 draw. Defending champion Billy Horschel has swept 2 wins in Group 12, signaling a green light for title defense. Past champions such as Dustin Johnson in 2017 and Kevin Kisner in 2019 (both USA) have also joined the ‘2-win march.’

Kisner, in particular, has shown exceptional strength in matches by defeating Mark Leishman (Australia) on the first day and Luke List on this day in the ‘Group of Death’ No. 6. Although List is the lowest seed, he has been on the rise after winning his first PGA Tour title in 10 years and 203 starts at the Farmers Open last January. Justin Thomas defeated Leishman to even his record at 1 win and 1 loss, aiming for a comeback. ‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (USA) has shown no presence with 1 draw and 1 loss.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.