FITZ BILL AS EURO KING DESPITE RORY BID

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick remains on course to become European No.1 in spite of Rory Mcilroy’s stunning finish to round two of the DP World Tour Championship.

Mcilroy was level par after 15 holes of his second round and just one under for the tournament before making birdies on the 16th and 17th and a brilliant eagle on the par-five 18th. The resulting 68 left the world No.1 five under par and seven shots behind joint leaders Fitzpatrick (right) and Tyrrell Hatton, who shot 67 following opening 65s in Dubai.

A third victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates would see Fitzpatrick finish top of the DP World Tour rankings unless Mcilroy is second, while second place for Fitzpatrick would require Mcilroy to be worse than seventh for the Englishman to triumph. Asked what sparked his much-needed finish, Mcilroy said: “I’m not sure, but whatever it was I need to bottle if for the weekend – something sort of clicked.”

Fitzpatrick, who has been suffering with a sore throat, said: “Really, really pleased with the way I played again. I feel better than I did and my game feels in good shape.”