Woods coasts into Accenture third round

MARANA, Ariz., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods coasted into the third round of the Accenture Match Play Championship Thursday while Phil Mickelson was eliminated by Stuart Appleby.

Woods, who staged a remarkable rally Wednesday to get past first-round opponent J.B. Holmes, built a 4-up lead through 11 holes and downed Arron Oberholser 3 & 2 at the Dove Mountain Gallery Course.

The world's No. 1-ranked player will next meet Aaron Baddeley, who advanced when David Toms had to withdraw due to a bad back.

Mickelson, who is second behind Woods in the world rankings, won the opening two holes and then saw Appleby record nine birdies en route to a 2 & 1 victory. In Friday's third round, Appleby will take on Justin Leonard, a 2 & 1 victor over Lee Westwood.

Another intriguing third-round match will bring together free spirits Woody Austin and Boo Weekley. Austin rallied to defeat Adam Scott in 19 holes and Weekley eliminated Sergio Garcia 3 & 1.

The remaining third-round match-ups will include Paul Casey vs. K.J. Choi; Jonathan Byrd vs. defending champion Henrik Stenson; Rod Pampling vs. V.J. Singh; Steve Stricker vs. Angel Cabrera; and Colin Montgomerie vs. Stewart Cink.