Oliver Wilson marched on in the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship with a dramatic win over world No 11 Anthony Kim.

The 28-year-old from Mansfield was almost unknown before he made his Ryder Cup debut at Valhalla last year.

On that occasion, paired with Henrik Stenson, he fought back from four down against Kim and Phil Mickelson to sink a 25ft putt on the 17th green to win on the second day.

Wilson had to repeat that feat after Kim’s birdie on the opening hole put him one up yesterday.

But the Englishman hit back with birdies on the second and third holes and a brilliant front nine of 32, four under par, put him two up.

Kim became the first Yank under 25 to win twice in one year on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods.

Woods said of the 23-year-old: “It’s amazing how much talent this kid has.”

But Wilson ignored Kim’s reputation and was nine under par when he closed out the match on the 17th green with another birdie for a 2&1 win.

Wilson, who now plays Justin Leonard for a place in the quarter-finals, said: “Anthony is a great player but I think the Ryder Cup helped me a bit, knowing that I’ve already beaten him before. That pulled me through in a tough match.”

To return to the main News page click here