Woods to face McIlroy in mouthwatering showdown at WGC Dell-Technologies Match Play
Fourteen-time Major winner Tiger Woods will play Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy inside the remaining 16 of the World Golf Championship Dell-Technologies Match Play in Austin after both gamers gained their final institution games today. After faltering on Thursday when he misplaced to fellow American Brandt Snedeker 2&1, the 43-year-old Woods bounced back to conquer Patrick Cantlay four&2, having been one down with 8 to play at Austin Country Club. That result ensured he completed the pinnacle of Group Four. Aaron Wise’s defeat of Snedeker 6&four in the day’s other Group 13 contest ensured Woods finished top while McIlroy, the 2015 winner, endured his unbeaten start with a 4&2 win over England’s Mathew Fitzpatrick. Having lost to Snedeker the day before today, Woods had to win these days to have any chance of going thru, and at one stage, it looked as though the three-time champion would possibly crash out.
After 10 holes, Woods changed into one down, however along with his region within the knockout rounds on the line, he played the subsequent four holes in five beneath par, sealing the win with holes to spare. Talking afterward about the possibility of going through four-time Major winner McIlroy, who’s in strong shape after winning the Players Championship earlier this month, Woods said it would be “quite a few a laugh.” Speaking to BBC Sport, McIlroy said the fit-up turned into “really interesting.” “I didn’t place up much of combat on the Tour Championship [when McIlroy last season carded a final-round 74 as Woods won the title], so, hopefully, I can provide him a higher recreation the following day.” For the first time since the occasion turned into shape in 1999, 8 Europeans have made it via to the last 16.
England’s international number Justin Rose received Group Two with a one-up win over Gary Woodland from the US, at the same time as every other Englishman and the winner at closing week’s Valspar Championship, Paul Casey, advanced with a 4&3 win over Australia’s Cameron Smith. Other Europeans to make it through, including Henrik Stenson from Sweden and Spain’s 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia. Woods, as opposed to McIlroy, is ready to begin at 9.30am local time tomorrow.
