India’s Anirban Lahiri got his WGC – Cadillac Match Play debut off to a winning start with a 4 and 2 win over Ryan Palmer at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
Lahiri, enjoying a remarkable season after winning the Maybank Malaysian Open and Hero Indian Open just a fortnight apart, took the par five first with a birdie and doubled his advantage with another gain on the fourth.
Three-time US PGA Tour winner Palmer squared the contest by taking the fifth and eighth with birdies, but Lahiri – who came through last November’s Qualifying School – restored his lead when a birdie at the ninth was followed by a Palmer bogey on the next.
Lahiri then birdied the 13th from five feet and 14th after chipping in, and although Palmer matched the latter gain, when his opponent got in close at 16 the American conceded.
“I played really good,” said Lahiri. “It was a really solid round. I don't think Ryan played poorly, either, I think it was a really good match.
“It was massive for me to birdie 13, and then chip in on 14 to keep myself three ahead.
“I’m pretty happy I didn't make a bogey today: that's a pretty good sign for me and putting better, feeling good.”
