Henrik Stenson continued his perfect start to the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play after beating 2014 and 2016 champion Jason Day 4&3 in their heavyweight Group 12 clash early on Thursday.
The Swede, who won this event in 2007, led from the very first hole for the second day in a row as he cruised to a comfortable victory over Australian Day to add to the point he earned against Phil Mickelson on Wednesday.
The 11 time European Tour winner faces a winner-takes-all clash with last year's United States Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk on Friday to decide who progresses from the so-called 'Group of Death' after the veteran American won 1up against Mickelson on day two.
Speaking about facing Furyk, Stenson said: "You have to regroup. It's a new day, a new opponent.
"What's done is done. It's going to be a tough one. He's a tough opponent in match play or in any play. And he doesn't give away anything for free, that's for sure.
"So I've got to go out and play solid tomorrow if I want to advance."
Open Champion Francesco Molinari also put his second successive point on the board with a 4&3 win against Ryder Cup team-mate Thorbjørn Olesen in Group 7.
Molinari was never behind on Thursday morning and required just 15 holes to add to the point he secured against Satoshi Kodaira in his opening pool match.
"I'm where you want to be after two days," said Molinari. "In control of your own destiny. Hopefully I can half or win the match tomorrow."
Japan's Kodaira had to settle for a share of the spoils against Webb Simpson in the group's other game after the American won the 16th and 17th to wipe out a two hole deficit.
Another man who mounted an impressive late comeback was Justin Rose in his all-English contest with Eddie Pepperell.
The Olympic Champion found himself three holes behind with four to play but won three of the last four to claim half a point.
Rose will take on Group 2 leader Gary Woodland - who won 1up against Emiliano Grillo on day two - in Friday's final pool match with his fate in his own hands.
The Englishman said: "Obviously I'm delighted to get a half. I was even trying to tell myself if I lost today, I still can come out tomorrow and beat Gary and get in a playoff situation, possibly."
Rory McIlroy maintained his 100 per cent record with a 3&2 win against Justin Harding in Group 4 and Luke List beat Matthew Fitzpatrick 2&1.
Englishman Paul Casey and American Charles Howell III are tied at the top of Group 10 on 1.5 points after their match finished all square on day two. Abraham Ancer beat Cameron Smith in the pool's other clash.
Lucas Bjerregaard took half a point from his topsy turvy Group 5 encounter with Keegan Bradley, while Justin Thomas bounced back from his heavy day one defeat to Dane Bjerregaard with a 3&1 win against Matt Wallace.
Defending champion Bubba Watson crashed out after losing 2&1 to Billy Horschel in Group 15, while Jordan Spieth was a 3&2 winner against Kevin Na.
Brandt Snedeker was a 2&1 winner over Tiger Woods in Group 13, while Patrick Cantlay saw off Aaron Wise 4&2.
