Kisner gets redemption on Poulter in sudden-death playoff, on to Round of 16

AUSTIN, Texas – There’s nothing better than a redemption story and Kevin Kisner is on pace for the ultimate pay off.

After losing his Day 1 match at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play to Ian Poulter, Kisner managed to win his next two matches to force a playoff with the Englishman to decide who advanced to the knockout rounds. He won the playoff on the third extra hole with a birdie.

On Saturday he’ll get another chance at redemption after losing the championship match last year to Bubba Watson, 7 and 6, when he plays Haotong Li, who also had to win a playoff to advance to the weekend.

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Asked following his marathon day on Friday what he learned from last year’s loss to Watson, Kisner said he will focus on trying to maintain his energy.

“If I get through I'll bring some clothes and shower and try to reset in between rounds. If I keep getting through I told myself instead of just hanging out hitting balls I'll try to take it more like starting a whole new day,” he said.

He also said he’s a much different player this year.

“I was still trying to make some changes that [swing coach] John Tillery and I were working on and now I feel way more comfortable with them,” Kisner said. “Of all things I'm putting way worse. I finally made a few there late against Keith [Mitchell] and made that one against Poulter. I've just been hitting some horrible looking putts and that's just not normal for me.”

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