Elimination from Match Play could come early for some

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Elimination could come one day early for some players in the Dell Technologies Match Play.

Among those who cannot afford to lose Thursday at Austin Country are Justin Thomas, Phil Mickelson, Jason Day and Patrick Reed. Players can win their group with one loss, but no more than that. Only two players in the four previous years of group play have advanced with just one win — Patton Kizzire and Byeong Hun An in 2016 each won a match and tied two others.

Tiger Woods, a winner in his opening match, faced Brandt Snedeker. Mickelson played Jim Furyk.

Jordan Spieth halved his opening match. He led for the first time all week after the second hole against Kevin Na, and already was 3 up through seven holes.