Henrik Stensoncruised into the knockout stages of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play after beatingJim Furyk5&4 in their winner-takes-all clash to top the tournament's 'Group of Death'.
The 42-year-old, who won this event in 2007, progressed from a star-studded Group 12 with maximum points after seeing off fellow Major ChampionsPhil Mickelson,Jason Dayand Furyk.
The Swede took control in Friday morning's match against Furyk, who also came into the contest with a 100 per cent record, when he won the second and third holes before landing his tee shot a foot from the hole at the short fourth to make it three in a row.
A par on the short seventh was good enough to give Stenson a four hole lead but Furyk chipped in at the eighth to win his first hole of the day and reduce the deficit back to three.
Stenson was in no mood to take his foot off the gas, though, winning the short 11th after teasing the hole with his tee shot once again.
And he holed his 13 foot birdie putt on the 13th to go five holes clear before closing out the win with a confident long putt on the 14th to halve the hole.
After his win, Stenson said: "That's the best round of golf I've played all year for certain. I'm very pleased to put it together.
"It was called the 'Group of Death' and I guess I managed to bring it to the other guys. It was always going to be a tough group.
"I think that was really inspiring from my end, being up against such great players. I just happened to bring my best game."
Stenson will meetLucas Bjerregaardon Saturday after he edged his nip and tuck battle againstMatt Wallaceto win Group Five on his tournament debut.
The Dane followed up his thumping victory over Justin Thomas on day one and Thursday's tie againstKeegan Bradleywith a close-fought 1up win against Wallace.
Bjerregaard made a fast start on day three, winning the second and fourth holes to go 2up. But Englishman Wallace turned the game on its head, winning the fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth to jump into a two hole lead.
The 2018 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship champion bounced back with wins at the tenth, 11th, 12th and 14th to regain control and despite losing the 16th, Bjerregaard held on to secure a narrow victory.
He said: "It's been a couple of stressful days but I'm happy to come out and go through.
"It should be fun. I like Henrik. I don't think I've ever played with him actually. But, yeah, it should be fun. And he's obviously been playing well as well. So, yeah, we should have a good game."
England'sTyrrell Hattonwon Group Nine after he beat countrymanLee Westwood3&1 and Spain'sRafa Cabrera Belloproduced a late comeback to see offXander Schauffeleby one hole in the pool's other game.
Westwood had delighted the assembled crowds when he made a hole-in-one at the 11th but Hatton never really looked troubled as he took the lead at the third hole and refused to relinquish it.
The three time European Tour winner will faceMatt Kucharin the last 16 after his Group Eight finale againstJon Rahmfinished all square.
Hatton said: "I'm really happy to win against Westy. Obviously it was going to be a tough match.
"I felt like I played pretty solid for most of the day and I'm delighted to win the group and get through to the weekend."
Sergio Garciabooked his place in the last 16 despite losing 2&1 toPatrick ReedafterShane LowrybeatAndrew Putnam3&2.
The Spaniard will come up against South Africa'sBranden Graceon Saturday after he beatChez Reavie2&1 to finish at the top of Group One.
Rory McIlroywill meet 14 time Major ChampionTiger Woodsin the last 16 after the Northern Irishman beatMatthew Fitzpatrick4&2 and Woods also overcamePatrick Cantlay4&2.
