McIlroy snatches place in World Match Play semi

Rory McIlroy is into the semi-final of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play Championship after snatching victory against Xander Schauffele.

It was the only time the Northern Irishman led in the match against the American world number seven.

Defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler is also through after beating Australian Jason Day 2&1.

Scheffler will play fellow American Sam Burns, who won 3&2 against Mackenzie Hughes, while McIlroy faces 15th seed Cameron Young.

McIlroy produced a fine performance earlier in the day to beat Lucas Herbert of Australia two up in another high-quality match that went down to the final hole.

After hitting nine birdies in a bogey-free round against Herbert, McIlroy made another six against Schauffele, plus one bogey.

The American made much of the running, going two up on the front nine, but McIlroy fought to stay in the match and took his chance with his final putt after his opponent’s wayward tee shot.

“I feel great,” McIlroy said.

“If someone told me I would be a combined 16-under [for the day], there was no way I would have thought I’d play the 18th twice.

“It just shows the calibre you need to play to beat these guys.”

Scheffler had to fight back in both of his matches to keep himself in contention, coming from two down with four to play against JT Poston and from three down after six holes against former world number one Day.

After building his lead Day called for the doctor, reportedly struggling with allergies, and lost his way as Scheffler took control in impressive fashion.

Earlier, world number four Patrick Cantlay went out after losing 2&1 to Burns while fifth seed Max Homa was beaten 3&2 by Hughes.