MARANA, Ariz., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Bubba Watson and B.J. Holmes earned victories Friday to set up a meeting between two of golf's longest hitters at the WGC World Match Play Championship.
Watson and Holmes will trade mammoth tee shots Saturday in the quarterfinals, during which Martin Kaymer will also attempt to become the world's top-ranked player.
Two rising young stars were eliminated during the third round at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Resort, but 47-year-old Miguel Angel Jimenez produced a one-sided win that will give him a chance at Kaymer in the quarterfinals.
Kaymer, who came from behind to down Hunter Mahan 2-and-1, rose to prominence last year by defeating Watson in a playoff to win the PGA Championship. Now if he can defeat Jimenez in the quarterfinals Saturday he will pass Lee Westwood and climb to No. 1 in the world rankings.
For sheer theatrics, however, the most anticipated quarterfinal match will send Watson against Holmes in a showdown between players who routinely smash the ball 350 yards.
Watson's long drives were the chief feature Friday in his 6-and-4 victory over two-time champion Geoff Ogilvy.
Ogilvy is the only player other than Tiger Woods to have won this event more than once, but he lost five straight holes beginning at the 10th. Watson was 9-under when the match ended at the 14th hole.
Holmes won the final two holes to defeat Jason Day 1-up. Holmes earned a spot in the tournament only because Tim Clark withdrew with an injury and played his first-round match Wednesday without ever having seen the course.
The other two quarterfinal matches will send Luke Donald against Ryan Moore and Matt Kuchar against Y.E. Yang.
Donald built a big lead en route to a 3-and-2 win over 17-year-old Matteo Manassero and Moore won the 17th, 18th and first extra hole to defeat Nick Watney.
Kuchar, last year's top money winner on the PGA Tour, ousted 22-year-old Rickie Fowler 2-and-1 and Yang knocked out defending U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell 3-and-2.
The semifinals will also be played Saturday, a schedule change brought about by the forecast of snow Sunday morning. The 18-hole championship will be played Sunday afternoon, weather permitting.
