After some thrilling matches in the round of 16, the field at the T-Mobile Match Play at Shadow Creek has been narrowed to eight. Who will advance to the Final Four? Here are our picks:
ARIYA JUTANUGARN vs MAJA STARK
Stark has been terrific this week with a great 4-0-0 record and some convincing victories, including today over Brooke Henderson. Now she runs into Ariya Jutanugarn, who had a battle with Narin An that went the distance in the early round. Though Stark’s form seems unbeatable, it really feels like Jutanugarn’s week right now. I think the veteran from Thailand gets the win here.
LAUREN COUGHLIN vs STEPHANIE KYRIACOU
It has been a fantastic week for 2025 Fore-All.com breakout player of the year candidate Stephanie Kyriacou, who advanced out of a brutal group with a 2-0-1 record. She then beat red hot A Lim Kim this morning. I think her run comes to an end here though facing off against Lauren Coughlin, who impressively beat Sei Young Kim 2 UP this morning.
JEENO THITIKUL vs ANGEL YIN
While this could be the best matchup on paper, I just wonder if Yin can get past the buzzsaw that is Jeeno Thitikul. Thitikul is having a phenomenal week, peaking in her morning match against Nataliya Guseva, where she tied the all time biggest margin of victory in this event, winning 8&7. Thitikul is going to be well rested but also will be coming out a bit cold after such a long gap in play. Regardless, she looks unstoppable so far this week and I think she continues to here.
(At the time of publishing, the Celine Boutier/Ashleigh Buhai match is in its 27th hole and is ongoing, the winner will play Madelene Sagström)
