Brit Matt basks in the heat
MATT FITZPATRICK stormed into the lead at the DP World Tour Championships – and the race to become Europe’s No.1 – as Rory McIlroy’s hot streak went cold in the desert.
The US Open champion shot an opening 65 to share the first-round lead in Dubai with Tyrrell Hatton.
World No.1 McIlroy topped the rankings going into the final event of the season as he bids to finish as the top player on both sides of the Atlantic.
But the Ulsterman, who won the CJ Cup on his last appearance, carded four bogeys in his opening one-under 71 to sit tied in 22nd place.
Fitzpatrick will lift the Harry Vardon Trophy for top European player if he wins this title for a third time and McIlroy does not finish second at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Yorkshireman started with five straight birdies to race into the lead and added two more in a bogey-free round.
“The biggest thing I’m pleased about today is just hitting 17 greens and the one I missed, I was a complete idiot,” said the world No.9. “I kept giving myself chances and putted well as well.”
Hatton carded eight bogeys, including four in a row from the 13th, and gave up the outright lead with a final-hole bogey.
Sweden’s Alexander Noren is one shot behind the leaders after a 66.