MARANA, Ariz. — Lee Westwood got his revenge on Nick Watney and moved a step closer to a shot at regaining the No. 1 ranking yesterday in the Match Play Championship.

Westwood, eliminated at Dove Mountain each of the last two years by Watney, birdied the opening two holes and pulled away when Watney missed too many short putts. Westwood advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-and-2 win.

Rory McIlroy also can go to No. 1 by winning the Match Play. He advanced with a 3-and-1 win over Miguel Angel Jimenez.

If they win their matches today, McIlroy and Westwood would meet in the semifinals tomorrow.

One year after Luke Donald became the first Match Play champion to never trail all week, Westwood looks even more dominant. He has had the lead in 48 of the 49 holes he has played over three days after halving the opening hole in the first round.

Hunter Mahan won big over Steve Stricker, and Matt Kuchar defeated Martin Kaymer. Mahan and Kuchar play in the quarterfinals, assuring an American will reach the semifinals for the first time since 2009.

In the battle of Scotland, Martin Laird outlasted Paul Lawrie.

Peter Hanson birdied the first three holes and beat Brandt Snedeker to reach the quarters for the first time in five tries. Hanson faces Mark Wilson, who beat Dustin Johnson, 4 and 3.