Irish duo in desert duel

Shane Lowry overcame a sleepless night following his shock win over Rory McIlroy to crush Carl Pettersson 6 and 5 and set up a dream last 16 clash with pal Graeme McDowell in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

The Clara ace can’t wait to give his hometown fans more to cheer about against stablemate McDowell, who had to birdie the last to force extra holes against Sweden’s Alex Noren, eventually pulling off a dramatic 20th hole win.

“Yesterday was quite exciting for everyone back home,” Lowry said after a brilliant victory. “I come from a very small town, and everyone was really behind me.