• WGC-Accenture Match Play, Day Three

Westwood wreaks revenge on Watney

Lee Westwood finally got the better of Nick Watney © Getty Images

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Lee Westwood closed in on the world No. 1 spot after he finally got the better of Nick Watney to reach the quarter-finals of the WGC Match Play Championship in Arizona.

Westwood, who had never previously reached the third round, was up against the man who had eliminated him in the past two years. Watney was flying high after knocking out Tiger Woods on Thursday, but had no answer to Westwood, who claimed an emphatic 3&2 victory.

With 2010 winner Ian Poulter and defending champion Luke Donald crashing out in the first round, Westwood is the only remaining Englishman in the draw, but he kept hopes of keeping the trophy in English hands alive at Dove Mountain. Westwood grabbed two birdies on the opening two holes to take an early lead, and although a bogey at the third briefly checked his progress, he tightened his grip, winning three holes on the spin to go four up at the 10th.

A bogey at the 12th allowed Watney to reduce the deficit, but Westwood never looked in danger of defeat as he coolly secured victory to set up a quarter-final clash with Martin Laird, who won the battle of the Scots, beating Paul Lawrie 3&1.

"I don't know if you are ever completely in control of a golf ball but I am confident with the way I am playing - I am driving the ball great, really straight and giving myself a lot of chances to attack flags," Westwood said.

Rory McIlroy also has the chance to usurp Donald as world No. 1 if he wins in Arizona, and in the battle of the youngest in the field against the oldest he got the better of Miguel Angel Jimenez. Despite an inconsistent display, McIlroy had too much for Jimenez, claiming a 3&1 victory.

Next up for McIlroy will be Sang-moon Bae, who defeated John Senden 1-Up. The Australian bogeyed the 16th to allow Bae the victory courtesy of successful par putts on the final two holes.

Last year's runner-up Martin Kaymer failed to reach the last eight after he was beaten 4&3 by Matt Kuchar. Mahan will meet Ryder Cup team-mate Hunter Mahan in the quarter-finals after the American got the better of Steve Stricker 4&3.

Peter Hanson got off to a blistering start against Brandt Snedeker to claim a 5&3 victory and set up a last-eight clash with Mark Wilson who stunned Dustin Johnson 4&3.

More to follow

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