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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Turnbull

Rory McIlroy through to WGC-Dell Matchplay last-16

Rory McIlroy defeated Keegan Bradley in the WGC-Dell Matchplay and with it sealed his spot in the last-16 of the tournament.

The Northern-Irishman eased to a 3-2 win over the American in stark contrast to their famous singles meeting at the 2012 Ryder Cup. On that occassion McIlroy needed to hitch a lift in a state troopers car to avoid missing the tie after mistaking the tee time.

McIlroy's 100% record in his group means he'll face group 14 winner Lucas Herbert in the next round. Following the match he said, "I think everyone knows I came here this week with a slightly different driver set-up and I'm getting more and more confidence with it as the days go by," McIlroy told PGA Tour Live after becoming the first player to compile a perfect record three times since the group format began in 2015.

READ MORE: Gary Player reveals why "bitter" LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has "vendetta" vs PGA Tour

"I drove it great yesterday and great again today and I think this course sets up well if you can drive it in the fairway and drive it long, especially these last few holes.

"I was a little happier with my putting on the front nine, I missed a couple of short ones coming in there that meant I probably could have put Keegan away a little bit earlier, but overall everything feels pretty good."

Earlier in the day, Shane Lowry dumped Jordan Spieth out of the competition despite a spirited comeback from the American. Lowry however was only playing for pride after already being sent packing from the event following defeats by Taylor Montgomery and Mackenzie Hughes.

Hughes then beat Montgomery in a play-off and will face Max Homa in the last-16. Homa progressed when opponent Hideki Matsuyama pulled out of the event with a neck injury.

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