Sergio Garcia won two of the first three holes in his World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship clash with South African Tim Clark.
The 30 year old Spaniard birdied the long second and a par on the 393 yard fourth was good enough to double the advantage after Clark pulled his approach wide of the green.
Behind them, Oliver Wilson led his all-English battle with Luke Donald by one after four, while compatriot Paul Casey - at six, the highest seed left in - won the opening hole against American Brian Gay but lost the second.
Open Championship winner Stewart Cink and South African Charl Schwartzel were level after three and Thai Thongchai Jaidee struck first against Japan's 18 year old Ryo Ishikawa with an opening birdie.
Ian Poulter was the other European left in. He was facing Indian Jeev Milkha Singh.
