Ross Fisher made a blistering start to take control of his match against World Number Four Hideki Matsuyama on day two of the WGC - Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club.
The Englishman had lost his opening match so was fighting for his life in Group 4 and moved three up after four holes, a cushion he would maintain at the turn.
Louis Oosthuizen and Thomas Pieters were also being made to work hard in their matches, but they had the advantage of already having a win under their belts.
Fisher put his approach to concession range on the first as Matsuyama found a bunker and when the Japanese needed a drop off the tee on the third, he was two up.
Matsuyama found a bunker off the tee on the par three fourth to help extend Fisher's advantage but the favour was returned on the seventh when the Englishman failed to find the putting surface.
He quickly bounced back, however, putting an approach to five feet on the ninth to be in control at the turn.
Oosthuizen was a 4 and 3 winner over Fisher on Wednesday but he was engaged in a real battle with 2018 United States Ryder Cup Captain Jim Fuyrk.
The South African had two bogeys and a concession in his first six holes, including finding the water on the third, to slip three down but a tee-shot to two feet on the seventh reduced the arrears.
Pieters was another European Tour winner on day one but he made just a single birdie in his first ten holes to sit three down against Jhonattan Vegas.
In the other Group 13 clash, two-time Masters Tournament winner Bubba Watson was three up through 11 holes against fellow American Scott Piercy.
