Jason Day leaves WGC-Dell Match Play to be with ailing mother

Mar 22, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Jason Day of Australia plays against Pat Perez of the United States during the first round of the World Golf Classic - Dell Match Play golf tournament at Austin Country Club. Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - An emotional Jason Day abruptly pulled out of his opening match at the WGC-Dell Match Play on Wednesday to be with his mother, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is having surgery on Friday.

"Hard to comprehend being on the golf course right now, with what she's going through," said a tearful Day, who struggled to maintain his composure as he met with reporters after conceding his match at the Austin Country Club.