FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, March 26th, 2016

NOTABLE QUOTES: WGC-DELL MATCH PLAY (QUARTERFINALS MATCHES)

NBC Sports Group Notable Quotes
WGC-Dell Match Play (Quarterfinal Matches, 2-6 p.m. ET on NBC)
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Austin Country Club, Austin, Texas

**Sunday’s coverage of the WGC-Dell Match Play Semifinals Matches will begin at 10 a.m. ET on Golf Channel**

Quarterfinals Match Results
(3) Rory McIlroy def. (54) Chris Kirk 4&3
(2) Jason Day def. (18) Brooks Koepka 3&2
(52) Rafa Cabrera Bello vs. (45) Ryan Moore 2&1
(16) Louis Oosthuizen vs. (8) Dustin Johnson 2&1

Semifinals Matches on Sunday (Coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET on Golf Channel)
(2) Jason Day vs. (3) Rory McIlroy
(16) Louis Oosthuizen vs. (52) Rafa Cabrera Bello

Jason Day speaking with Golf Channel on NBC’s Steve Sands following his 3&2 win on returning to No. 1 in the world
Jason Day – “It’s not so much about the number one rank that really gets me excited about it. It’s more so the journey and the process it’s taken. To get to the top of your sport takes a long time and for me it’s just really that delayed gratification that I’m really thankful for and very happy for. Because I have been you know, busting my butt and been doing the right things. To be able to get back to number one in the world is fantastic.”

On his Semifinals match against Rory McIlroy tomorrow
Day – “I think we’ll have a lot of fun… I’m going to have a lot of fun regardless of what happens tomorrow. But I expect a really tough match… It seems like he’s playing some good golf right now.”

Rory McIlroy speaking with Sands following his 4&3 win over Chris Kirk
Rory McIlroy – “I was a little annoyed going from the 9th green to the 10th tee you know, letting Chris get back into it with a three-putt on 9. But after that I think I was 4-under for my next six holes and that was enough to get the job done… So to get through to the last day for the second year in a row [at this event] it feels good. It’s great for your confidence. And especially with the Masters only a couple weeks away, to get a good run in this tournament – which is my last competitive start before Augusta – is really pleasing and hopefully I can just go a couple more tomorrow.”

Rafa Cabrera Bello speaking with Sands following his 2&1 win over Ryan Moore
Rafa Cabrera Bello – “I prepared for this tournament really [well]. I enjoy match play a lot. And I’m feeling confident this week because I’ve had a great start of the year so far. So I’m really proud to be in the semifinals.”

Louis Oosthuizen speaking with Sands following his 2&1 win over Dustin Johnson
Louis Oosthuizen – “I’m trying to give myself as many birdie opportunities. I feel like I’m putting well… I’m just trying to stay within myself and not really show anything, but sometimes it’s difficult… I know Rafa is a great player [who] makes a lot of birdies. So I need to play well again to try and get into the finals.”

On McIlroy
Roger Maltbie – “I’ve got to believe the difference in this match has been Rory’s power. And that really started to assert itself on this back nine.”

On Day
David Feherty – “He’s just strengthened his focus. He’s able to dial himself in, in a way that he wasn’t able to the last couple of years. He’s phenomenally strong mentally.”
Peter Jacobsen – “I’m impressed with his putting. He’s really improved his putting over the last couple of years. And that’s why he’s the second ranked player in the world.”

On Cabrera Bello
Jacobsen – “These are the opportunities that can springboard you into a great year.”
Johnny Miller – “It’s amazing how well he has played, and he makes it tough on [his opponent]. He can make the put when he needs to, he’s a pressure putter.”

On Oosthuizen
Notah Begay – “His game has really come together this week. He typically battles with a bad back once in a while, but seems to have it all in good order.”

-NBC Sports Group-