21 May 2012

Semi-finalists found at World Matchplay Championship

6:35 am on 21 May 2012

Northern Ireland golfer Graeme McDowell triumphed in a playoff against local favourite Sergio Garcia to reach the World Match Play Championships semi-finals in Casares, southern Spain.

McDowell missed a five-foot putt for the match on the 18th, but came through when the pair returned to the same hole to start the playoff in which Garcia missed from similar range.

McDowell will play another Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello, who came from behind to beat compatriot Alvaro Quiros 3 and 1.

Paul Lawrie, in his 500th European Tour event, also reached the semis and did not drop a stroke as he put out twice US Open champion Retief Goosen 6 & 5.

Lawrie will meet Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts in the last four after he beat Brandt Snedeker 4 and 3.