Nicolas Colsaerts and Ian Poulter beaten at World Match Play Championship

Ian Poulter: Englishman lost 4&3 to Hunter Mahan to miss out on a final shot at glory (Getty Images)

Defending champion Nicolas Colsaerts and former winner Ian Poulter face a battle to remain in the Volvo World Match Play Championship after losing their opening group games in Bulgaria.

Colsaerts was five down after just nine holes to South African Branden Grace before eventually losing 4&3. Poulter started with three straight birdies at the spectacular Thracian Cliffs but also carded four bogeys and a double bogey in a 3&2 defeat to Thongchai Jaidee.

The good news for the pair is that the three-man group format allows them the chance to reach the last 16 with a win today.