Day 1

February 19th 2010, Arizona, U.S.A: Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Indian stalwart Jeev Milkha Singh continued to carry the Asian challenge after winning in their second round matches at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship on Thursday.

Reigning Asian Tour number one produced another commanding display as he defeated Robert Karlsson of Sweden 4 and 3 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.

Thongchai, making his debut in the tournament, was in superb form in the second round where he virtually ended the tie with a 6-up lead at the 12th hole.

“He didn't play well on the front nine but came back on the back nine. But I played really well today,” said the 12-time Asian Tour winner.

Singh, who is playing in his third WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, recovered from an early bogey to rally birdies on the eighth, 13th, 14th and 15th holes to go 3-up against Matt Kuchar of the United States.

Kuchar pulled birdies back on the 16th and 17th holes but Singh held on to claim a 1-up victory to move on to the third round.

“I ground it out, and I think that's what match play is all about. You can't lose your patience, and you have to hole those short putts. That's what I did today,” said Singh.

Thongchai, currently 50th in the world, is hoping that a good run will keep him in the top-50 while Singh, who is ranked 60th, is banking on a good result to move him into the top-50 of the World Rankings to qualify for the Masters tournament in April.

Asia’s first Major winner, Yang Yong-eun of Korea crashed out of the tournament to Ben Crane of the United States 3 and 2 after two costly double bogeys.