JOHNSON v JOHNSON

In knockout clash at Match Play

TEXAS: It will be Johnson v Johnson as world number one Dustin takes on double major champion Zach in a round-of-16 clash at the WGC-Dell Match Play in Texas on Saturday.

And five-times major champion Phil Mickelson will meet in-form Australian Marc Leishman as the World Golf Championships event enters the knockout phase after completing the round-robin phase at Austin Country Club.

Big-hitting Dustin Johnson emerged with a perfect 3-0-0 record, wrapping up the group phase with a 5&3 shellacking of fellow American Jimmy Walker on Friday.

He said he fancied his chances of beating namesake and compatriot Zach, not because of the world rankings but because of his form.

“No matter what ranking I am, I feel I should win,” he told reporters. “I feel like I’ve got a bit of an advantage, just because I’m playing so well.

“Today I made a bunch of birdies, no bogeys and usually in match play you do that, you win. Just because I’m number one I don’t get a pass. I’ve still got to play really well.”

Zach Johnson, meanwhile, said he would relish the challenge of taking on the game’s hottest player.

“I think his time is about done. Physically, he is not looking great,” he said, tongue planted firmly in cheek, before turning more serious.

“Hopefully I’ve got my A game. I need it. I expect nothing less out of Dustin. He does things with the golf ball only a small percentage can do out here.”

Mickelson finished group play in style at 3-0-0 with a 6&5 thumping of fellow American J B Holmes.