Francesco takes an early lead in Moliwood clash

THE battle for ‘Moliwood’ supremacy saw Francesco Molinari edge ahead early in the opening round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai today.

Molinari was paired with Ryder Cup playing partner Tommy Fleetwood in the final coupling of the opening round.

The Briton must win the tournament to have any chance of catching Molinari to earn £1million for winning the Race to Dubai.

Molinari, in his bid to hold onto the No1 spot on the continent, hit a birdie on the first hole before two further birdies left the Italian three under and three off the early clubhouse lead after just seven holes.

Fleetwood had a steady start with six straight pars before a birdie on the par-five seventh moved him to within a stroke of Molinari to keep alive his hopes of successfully defending his Race to Dubai crown.

England’s Jordan Smith was the early leader after picking up six shots on the back nine. A shot further back was former Masters winner Danny Willett, who mixed seven birdies with two bogeys as he continued his slow rise back to the top of the game.