Hatton is on the brink of a dream defence

Tyrrell Hatton during day three of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingbarns DEFENDING champion Tyrrell Hatton put himself on the brink of a dream victory at St Andrews as he opened up a five-shot lead heading into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The Englishman equalled the course record at the home of golf last year on his way to a four-shot victory and a first European Tour title, and a bogey-free 65 put him in a commanding position to defend his crown.

After opening with a 68 on the Old Course on Thursday, he followed that with a 65 at Carnoustie and matching that mark at Kingsbarns moved him to 18 under, with Frenchman Gregory Bourdy his closest challenger.

Ireland’s Paul Dunne was then at 11 under with former world number one Luke Donald and fellow Englishman Ross Fisher a further shot back but all eyes will be on Hatton when he tees off today.

The 25-year-old got up to 14th in the world rankings in March before enduring a frustrating summer but that will all be forgotten should he become the first man to successfully defend this title.

“Last year this event was a fantastic moment for me,” Hatton said.

“It’s great to be back and I’m enjoying my first defence.

“It was a new experience for me going out leading a tournament.”