Marcel Siem continued his brilliant run at the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play as he beat Robert Rock on the first extra hole to advance to the semi-finals at Golf Resort Bad Griesbach.
The home favourite is 124th in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex, but has found his form in spectacular style and is now just two wins from a fifth European Tour title.
Englishman Rock was two up standing on the 15th tee, but Siem – who had spoken about being inspired by the German crowd – made birdies on the 15th and 16th before sealing victory on the 19th with another gain.
The 37-year-old will take on Johan Carlsson on Sunday morning, after the Swede overcame defending champion Anthony Wall on the last.
Spaniard Adrian Otaegui is also through to the last four after a 2&1 win over German Alexander Knappe and will face countryman Alejandro Cañizares, who beat England’s Chris Paisley after 20 holes.
The rain continued to fall throughout the day, but the course held up very well thanks to some excellent work by the ground staff.
Rock took advantage of the par-five third and when a par was enough for him to win the seventh, Siem was on the ropes. A birdie on the ninth got the four-time European Tour winner back in it, but Rock birdied the 11th before making a mess of the 12th as the gap went back to one hole.
A Rock birdie on the 14th left Siem two down with four to play, but he is made of stern stuff and produced that big finish to delight the home crowds.
‘That was by far the toughest match,’ said Siem. ‘I don’t know how many birdies we made on the back nine together, but it was quite a lot. I was down all day and it was very tiring because you have to fight and dig deep.’
