WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play - Day two digest

Everything you need to know from day two at Austin Country Club.

McIlroy treated the crowds to a spectacular finish while Scheffler and Rahm also tasted victory on the second day of the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

Here is everything you need to know from day two at Austin Country Club.

McIlroy saves best for last

It's fair to say Rory McIlroy had an eventful day. His approach at the ninth missed the green and landed on the rocks around the putting surface - and amazingly his ball stayed there. The Northern Irishman played his third from on top of the rocks and almost holed it, but instead made par to tie the hole.

He then produced the shot of the day at the par-four last, sending his tee-shot to within four feet of the pin for a conceded eagle which sealed a two-hole comeback win against Denny McCarthy, meaning he needs just a half from Friday’s match with Keegan Bradley to progress. How good was this?!

Scott's unlucky break

Adam Scott's tee-shot at the par-three 11th was right at the flag - so much so that it hit it. But instead of finishing within tap-in range of the hole, the ball raced across the green towards the water. Fortunately for the Australian it stopped short but he can count himself unlucky not to have made a memorable ace. After an errant tee-shot at the 18th, Scott lost the last hole of the day to opponent Sam Burns to slip to a one-hole defeat.

Rahm's resounding response

World Number Two Jon Rahm had work to do in his second match on Thursday morning after tasting defeat against Rickie Fowler in his opener. And he rose to the challenge brilliantly in his meeting with Keith Mitchell, going in front at the very first hole before pulling well clear of the American on the back nine by winning three successive holes from the 11th. That put him 5UP with five holes remaining, and although Mitchell won the 14th to keep the contest going, a tie at the 15th closed out a 4&3 win for Rahm which keeps his hopes alive going into a mouth-watering contest against Billy Horschel on Friday.

Late show sees Power avoid elimination

Séamus Power holed a clutch birdie putt at the 18th to secure a one-hole victory over Adam Hadwin which saw him avoid elimination. The closely-fought contest was tied heading down the last, with both players knowing half a point would not be enough to keep their tournament hopes alive. Power sent a wonderful approach to around four feet at the 18th and, after Hadwin had been unable to hole his birdie try, made no mistake with the putt to clinch his first point of the week.

Perez's perfect chip

Victor Perez produced a magnificent shot at the 12th to take the lead for the first time in his contest against Jason Day. He chipped in from the rough around the green for an excellent eagle to win the hole and go 1UP, having fought back from an early two-hole deficit with back-to-back wins at the seventh and eighth. Day eventually won the match 2&1.

Defending champion Scheffler wins again

World Number One Scottie Scheffler won six holes without reply as he came from behind to secure a comfortable 5&4 win over Alex Noren and claim his second point. His title defence is very much going according to plan so far.

Fitzpatrick walks it in

Heading to the 17th 2UP, Matt Fitzpatrick had the chance to end his match with Min Woo Lee early with his birdie try from around 20 feet. And he took it, walking in the putt to wrap up a 2&1 win.