Rory McIlroy was never threatened by Tim Clarke in Arizona

Rory McIlroy cruised into the quarter-finals of the WGC-Accenture Match Play in Arizona after a 4&3 victory over Tim Clark in the third round on Friday.

The Holywood teenager made a superb start and took control after winning four of the opening six holes.

McIlroy will now face Australian Geoff Ogilvy on Saturday.

"It's always nice to build an early lead and it was a fairly simple match, and if I play well tomorrow I'm in with a chance," said the 19-year-old.

McIlroy lost the seventh hole but won the next and there was no change until his progress was confirmed at the 15th.

Ogilvy made the last eight after beating Camilo Villegas 2&1.

He added: "Tim didn't play his best and he was probably flat after his game on Thursday (against Tiger Woods).

"My ball striking has been very good and I've been able to control my distance in the last couple of days.

"I missed a couple of putts but it didn't really matter - you have to beat the player in front of you and I did that.

"Playing with the best players in the world week in week out is going to take a bit of getting used to.

"I feel I'm playing well and it's exciting to get into the quarter-finals in my first match play.

"Geoff has already won this year and is a past winner of this event so it's going to be tough."

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