Hideki Matsuyama misses out on chance for Phoenix hat-trick

By Keith Jackson

Sky Sports.com

Hideki Matsuyama's bid for a third consecutive victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open has come to a disappointing. He has forced to withdraw due to injury.

Matsuyama underwent treatment on a wrist problem prior to beginning his second round at TPC Scottsdale, but he made the decision to pull out prior to his tee time.
The Japanese ace dominated the tournament over the last two seasons and won both after play-offs, beating Rickie Fowler in 2016 before edging out Webb Simpson in extra holes 12 months ago.

Matsuyama, who was also joint-runner up in Arizona three years ago, had made a solid start to the defence of his title as he opened with a two-under 69 while playing alongside Fowler and Simpson.

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Reports suggest Matsuyama had his wrist taped by medical staff during his first round, but it is not known if he suffered the injury during his round or on one of the practice days, with tournament organisers merely confirming he had withdrawn due to a left wrist problem.

The world No 5 was aiming to become only the second player after the late, great Arnold Palmer to win the Phoenix Open three times in a row, with Palmer achieving the feat between 1961 and 1963