Casey withdraws from the Dell Match Play because of illness

Paul Casey, of England, watches his tee shot on the first hole during round-robin play against Jason Day at the Dell Match Play Championship golf tournament at Austin County Club, Friday, March 25, 2016, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

prev next

Paul Casey, of England, hits from the fairway on the second hole during round-robin play against Jason Day at the Dell Match Play Championship golf tournament at Austin County Club, Friday, March 25, 2016, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

Jason Day, of Australia, lines up his putt on the second green during round-robin play against Paul Casey at the Dell Match Play Championship golf tournament at Austin County Club, Friday, March 25, 2016, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

AUSTIN, Texas – Paul Casey withdrew from the Dell Match Play early in his match Friday with Jason Day because of illness.

The decision pushes Day into Saturday's elimination round of 16 and gives him critical rest after hurting his back late in his opening match on Wednesday.

Casey had won the first two holes against Day and was still 2-up after four. But Day won the next two and Casey was unable to continue and withdrew. Casey had lost his first match to Thongchai Jaidee on Wednesday and fought back late to tie Graeme McDowell on Thursday.

Casey was runner-up in the tournament in 2009 and 2010. He lost to Rory McIlroy in the 2015 quarterfinals.