Dubuisson through to last eight

VictorDubuisson

The Frenchman, who impressed as part of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles last month, claimed a 3 and 2 victory over Shane Lowry to ensure a top-two finish in the Gabrielsson group.

The remaining places in the last eight are still up for grabs ahead of Friday's final round-robin matches, but Stephen Gallacher and Francesco Molinari can no longer qualify after being beaten for a second time.

Molinari was somewhat unfortunate to run into an in-form Henrik Stenson, who came from 3 down to complete a 2 and 1 win despite his Italian opponent completing 17 holes in seven under par.

Stenson lost three of the first four holes, but picked up shots on eight of his last nine in a stunning display that prompted comparisons to the birdie blitz he and Justin Rose produced in their fourballs match against Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar during the Ryder Cup.

The Swede and George Coetzee, a 2 and 1 winner over last year's beaten finalist Thongchai Jaidee, are now level on three points at the top of the Palmer group, with Jaidee a point back and Molinari unable to progress.

Gallacher's elimination came as a result of Pablo Larrazabal chipping in from the rough at the last to claim a 1up success.

"The ball was sitting great," said the Spaniard. "I thought I had the chance to put it close and to make five and to put the pressure on Stevie, but I holed it and it went in, happy days."

Larrazabal and Lowry will now meet to decide who joins Dubuisson in qualifying from the Gabrielsson group.

Defending champion Graeme McDowell paid the price for a poor start as he suffered only his third defeat in 18 World Match Play contests, losing 2 and 1 to Mikko Ilonen.

McDowell found himself four down when Ilonen picked up his sixth birdie of the day at the 10th and the Finn held firm after his lead was cut to one hole with three to play.

Both players retain hope of progressing from the Larson group, which is headed by Joost Luiten following his 4 and 3 win over Alexander Levy.

The McCormack group is evenly poised after the two players who suffered defeat on Wednesday - Patrick Reed and Jamie Donaldson - each bounced back with wins.

Donaldson triumphed 3 and 2 against Jonas Blixt, while Reed was never behind in a 2 and 1 victory over Paul Casey.

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