Golf: Denmark's Bjerregaard stuns Woods in Match Play

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Dane Lucas Bjerregaard pulled off a stunning victory over idol Tiger Woods in the quarterfinals of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas, U.S., on Saturday.

Woods had beaten Rory McIlroy two-and-one in their first match play meeting in the last 16, but Bjerregaard completed a one-up victory over the former world number one when the American missed a short putt on the 18th hole.

"Just to get the chance to play against him today is pretty special," the 50th seed Bjerregaard told PGA Tour Radio.

"I'm pretty proud to say I beat Tiger Woods. Not many people can say that."

American golfer Tiger Woods (L) shakes hands with Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark during the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas, U.S., March 30, 2019. /VCG Photo

Bjerregaard, 27, eagled the 16th from 29 feet to draw level with Woods and after both made birdies on the 17th, the Dane won the match at the last to complete a stunning day after he beat Swede Henrik Stenson three-and-two in the morning.

Earlier, Woods sealed a two-and-one victory over Rory McIlroy in their first match play meeting.

American golfer Tiger Woods looks dejected after being defeated by Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark during the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas, U.S., March 30, 2019. /VCG Photo

Woods, the 13th seed, never trailed in the showcase match between the two former world number ones, building a three-hole advantage by the 10th hole.

"I played pretty consistent the entire day," Woods told Golf Channel.

Meanwhile, Chinese golfer Li Haotong, who made his way into the knockout stage for the first time, had to end his Austin trip in the round of 16 after he was defeated six-and-five by American Kevin Kisner.

Chinese golfer Li Haotong lines up a putt on the seventh green in his match against Kevin Kisner of the U.S. during the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas, U.S., March 30, 2019. /VCG Photo

The Chinese number one and 36th seed Li beat the third seed Brooks Koepka one-up to knock the American out of the match on Thursday. By then, he said "it was incredible," and he didn't expect that.

After the match against Kisner, Li said he was too tired to focus on the match. "I am exhausted and made some mistakes."

"I would try harder," he added.

Li would continue his stay in Texas as a wild-card holder for the upcoming Valero Texas Open. The event will be held between April 4 and 7, followed by the Augusta Masters in Georgia, U.S., which Li will also head for between April 11 and 14.

(With inputs from Reuters)