Luke Donald crashes out of WGC-Accenture Matchplay

Luke Donald has been eliminated in the second round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play championship after suffering a heavy 7&6 defeat to Scott Piercy.

The world number three has become the latest top player to suffer an early exit following Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods yesterday.

The Englishman found himself six down by the turn, before a birdie at the 12th saw the American set up a last-16 encounter with countryman Steve Stricker.

There was further bad news for his Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia, who lost out 2&1 to Matt Kuchar. He will now face Nicolas Colsaerts, who defeated Justin Rose 4&2.

Robert Garrigus will play Fredrik Jacobson after defeating world number five Louis Oosthuizen 3&2, while matchplay specialist Ian Poulter won 3&1 over Bo van Pelt.

Shane Lowry, who sent McIlroy packing, must now repeat the feat against Graeme McDowell after he beat Carl Petterson 6&5. The 2010 US Open champion prevailed after 20 holes against Alexander Noren.

Last-16 matches in full:

Shane Lowry vs. Graeme McDowell Bubba Watson vs. Jason Day Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano vs. Webb Simpson Martin Kaymer vs. Hunter Mahan Robert Garrigus vs. Fredrik Jacobson Nicolas Colsaerts vs. Matt Kuchar Scott Piercy vs. Steve Stricker Tim Clark vs. Ian Poulter