Paul Casey knocks last American out of contest

Even with no Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson in the field, the host country still had 20 players among the 64 starters on Wednesday.

But last hope Cink was crushed 5&4, just like Casey's previous opponents Stephen Ames, Mike Weir and Brian Gay have been.

"I have no idea what's happening," said sixth seed and 2009 runner-up Casey, right. "I know how tough Stewart is. He has a great record in match play.

"I never thought we would be standing here (by the 14th green) talking. I thought it would go all the way. I'm very happy, but shocked.

"I'm very happy to be standing here but still a little shocked.

"Stewart's been very gracious. I made a lot of putts today and I feel sorry for him."

Cink, second and then third in the event the last two years, jokingly showed his conqueror where the 15th tee was. He has not needed to go there yet.

"I saw a great display," said Cink, whose only success came when Casey drove wildly into the desert on the long 11th and had to take a penalty drop.

Casey went through to face Colombian Camilo Villegas, who beat South African Retief Goosen, later in the day, while it could yet be an all-English final.

In the other half of the draw Oliver Wilson went down 4&3 to Sergio Garcia, but Wilson's fellow Englishman Ian Poulter came back from one down on four separate occasions to defeat Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee. Thongchai had a golden opportunity to win the 18th and send the match to sudden-death but his 15-foot birdie putt stopped on the edge of the cup before Poulter sank a seven-footer to secure victory.

"It wasn't easy out there (and) we didn't play our best, that's for sure," said Spaniard Garcia.