‘Unstoppable’ Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm advance to semi-finals of WGC Match Play

World No 1 answers a rare challenge and young Spaniard delivers another early knockout to advance to the semi-finals, staying on track for a potential showdown

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Dustin Johnson tees off from the 15th hole of his match during round five of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:03pm, 26 Mar 2017Updated: 9:55pm, 26 Mar 2017

Dustin Johnson answered a rare challenge and Jon Rahm delivered another early knockout on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals of the Dell Technologies Match Play, staying on track for a potential showdown between No 1 in the world and golf’s brightest new star.

Johnson has looked so unbeatable this week that he led all 71 holes he had played until he lost a 3-up lead at the turn and was all square in his quarter-final match when Alex Noren of Sweden holed a 40-foot birdie putt on No 12.

Johnson answered with three birdies in four holes and won, 3 and 2.

Rahm was so dominant Saturday he played only 27 holes in two matches, and none of his last three matches have gone beyond the 14th hole. The 22-year-old rookie from Spain still hasn’t played the 18th hole since a practice round Tuesday.

Jon Rahm of Spain reacts after winning his match. Photo: AFP

After a 6-and-4 victory over Charles Howell III in the morning fourth round, he was even better in a 7-and-5 victory over Soren Kjeldsen. Rahm said only his 65 in the final round to win at Torrey Pines was a better brand of golf.

“The golf I’ve played the last three matches really has been very impressive, even to myself,” he said. “And it seemed to get better as I played, which is something that doesn’t happen often.”