Round 3 predictions for the WGC-Accenture Match Play

• By Golf Channel Digital
• Feb 22, 2013 8:00 PM ET

MARANA, Ariz. – Round 3 of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship gets underway Thursday at The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Dove Mountain.

GolfChannel.com offers up some third-round predictions. Check out the bracket and scores. All tee times are local (MT).

Shane Lowry def. Graeme McDowell

In a twist of fate Lowry will face another Northern Irishman in Round 3 following his 1-up victory over Rory McIlroy on Thursday. If Lowry continues to play like he did on Friday, when he dispatched Carl Pettersson, 6 and 5, it will be a similar result.

Jason Day def. Bubba Watson

Neither player looked particularly sharp on Friday, both needing extra holes to advance, but the Australian has the length to stay with Watson and a more reliable putter.

Robert Garrigus def. Fredrik Jacobson

The Junkman has been on a solid run but Garrigus is on cruise control this week, having not been pushed past the 16th hole, and has the perfect attitude for match play. “It is an absolute blast to be able to step on the tee and say I'm going to swing as hard as I can, and if I make a 9, who cares?” he said.

Nicolas Colsaerts def. Matt Kuchar

The American got the best of the Belgian during a Saturday four-ball match at last year’s Ryder Cup but Colsaerts has been overpowering Dove Mountain this week.

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano def. Webb Simpson

The line: Simpson was impressive in Round 1 (5-and-4 walkover of David Lynn) but Gonzo seems to have the hotter hand after he sent Charles Howell III packing (6 and 5) on Friday.

Hunter Mahan def. Martin Kaymer

The defending champion hasn’t seen the 16th hole this week and, as he showed last year, Dove Mountain is a perfect fit for the ballstriker who has emerged nicely from a rough stretch to finish 2012.

Scott Piercy def. Steve Stricker

Stricker, who seems to have embraced the roll of part-time player, went the distance on Friday against Nick Watney (21 holes) and when in doubt at Dove Mountain always go with the bomber.

Tim Clark def. Ian Poulter

Betting against Poulter in a match play event is an occupational hazard but Clark has been unflappable this week and, more importantly, doesn’t seem concerned with his distance disadvantage at Dove Mountain.