Former Omega Dubai Desert Classic winners Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have gotten their WGC Match Play campaigns off to a winning start.
Woods edged past Rookie of the Year Aaron Wise in his opening match, while McIlroy beat Luke List 5&4.
Meanwhile, defending champion Bubba Watson lost in the final hole to fellow American Kevin Na.
There were also wins for former Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winners Paul Casey and Tommy Fleetwood.
Alcaraz turns showman in Moutet mauling at Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz turned on the style as he raced into the Australian Open fourth round on Friday with a highlight-laden 6-2 6-4 6-1 clinic against France's own trick-shot maestro Corentin Moutet.
Medvedev fights back from two sets down to beat Marozsan at Australian Open
Daniil Medvedev clawed his way back from two sets down to beat Fabian Marozsan 6-7(5) 4-6 7-5 6-0 6-3 at the Australian Open on Friday to set up a last-16 tie against Learner Tien, the young American who knocked him out in the second round last year.
Sabalenka passes Potapova test to reach Australian Open fourth round
World number one Aryna Sabalenka has passed her first major test of the Australian Open on Friday, fending off a serious challenge from Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round with a tense 7-6(4) 7-6(7) win.
Sancho sends Villa through to Europa League last 16
Aston Villa has secured a spot in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday as Jadon Sancho's header earned a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce, with SC Freiburg and Olympique Lyonnais also booking their places in the knockout stage.
Molinari sparkles with opening 65 to lead in Dubai
Francesco Molinari rolled back the years with a stunning 65 to lead by two shots after a windy first round at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
