World No. 6 Hideki Matsuyama's bogey-free effort earned him a win over compatriot Yusaku Miyazato on Wednesday in the group stage of the Dell Technologies Match Play.
In a turnaround from his performance at last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, Matsuyama nailed seven birdies to best Miyazato 2 and 1 in Group 5 at Austin Country Club. The two players both graduated from Sendai's Tohoku Fukushi University, but are 11 years apart in age and had never played alongside or against each other.
"I was able to play well, hitting some nice shots from the fairway," said Matsuyama, whose birdie putts were all within 11 feet.