Rory McIlroy: Confidence high ahead of Match Play meeting with Tiger Woods in Austin

Wins for both on Friday led to the highly-anticipated meeting, with McIlroy securing a third win of his week by beating Matt Fitzpatrick on 4&2.

Woods’ success over Patrick Cantlay featured a fightback from two down plus brilliant eagle in the 4&2 triumph.

“I think it’s really exciting for the tournament, it’s exciting for both of us,” said McIlroy ahead of the last-16 date. “I didn’t put up much of a fight in the Tour Championship last year (when paired in the final round) so hopefully I can give him a better game.

“I feel like pretty much all of this year it’s been close to what I would think is some of my best golf.

“I feel comfortable with my game, I’m driving it as good as I ever have, I’ve tidied up my iron play and I’ve found something with the putter that feels really good. “I feel like I can sustain this level.”

Brandt Snedeker lost the group lead to Woods with defeat by Aaron Wise.

Woods accepted the stroke of good fortune and described facing McIlroy as “a lot of fun”.