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Bubba Watson advances to Match Play final, denies No. 1 ranking for Justin Thomas

AUSTIN, Texas -- Bubba Watson advanced to his first final in the Dell Technologies Match Play and denied Justin Thomas going to No. 1 in the world.

Watson never trailed in their semifinal match Sunday morning and pulled away early on the back nine. Thomas didn't win a hole after his lone birdie putt on No. 9, and Watson closed him out 3 and 2.

Thomas needed to reach the championship match to replace Dustin Johnson at No. 1 in the world.

Watson moves on to face fellow Georgia alum Kevin Kisner, who beat Alex Noren of Sweden in 19 holes.