Thomas, Watson make Match Play semi-finals

Americans set for a heavyweight showdown in WGC

Americans Justin Thomas and Bubba Watson are set for a heavyweight showdown at the WGC-Dell Match Play after winning their quarter-finals in Texas on Saturday.

Second seed Thomas, in brilliant form all week, continued his hot run with a 2&1 win over fellow American Kyle Stanley at Austin Country Club.

Watson was even more dominant, thrashing Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat 5&3. Swedish 13th seed Alex Noren will face American 32nd seed Kevin Kisner in the other semi-final.

Noren beat Australian Cameron Smith 4&2 while Kisner crushed Englishman

Ian Poulter 8&6.

Thomas did not play quite as smoothly against Stanley as in his previous two matches, but still had enough in the tank.

“I played well,” he told Golf Channel.

“I just didn’t get off to the same stat that I have been. Missed a couple of short putts but made my share as well. It was able to get me a little bit coasting on the back nine.”

Pretty good

Thomas is projected to assume the world No. 1 ranking from fellow American Dustin Johnson if he makes the final.

But first he will have to overcome 35th seed Watson, a two-time US Masters champion who won the Los Angeles tour stop at Riviera last month.

“I keep advancing, so that’s the key,” Watson said before explaining how his equipment company had adjusted the loft of his putter.

“They basically took over my putting and said here’s what we’re doing for you. It’s been working the last couple of weeks and obviously in LA it worked pretty good.”