Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton both carded opening 65s in Dubai; DP World Tour leader Rory McIlroy six back after one-under 71; Watch the DP World Tour Championship on Friday from 5am on Sky Sports Golf
Last Updated: 17/11/22 1:48pm
Matt Fitzpatrick is one of the top prospects in the long-term
Matt Fitzpatrick started the dream of securing a third DP World Tour Championship victory by taking the lead after the opening day in Dubai.
Fitzpatrick, who won the season-ending tournament in 2016 and 2020, birdied his five holes en route to a bogey-free 65 at Jumeriya Golf Estates.
The US Open champion sits seven games under and tied at the top of the leaderboard with compatriot Tyrrell Hatton, who led until the finish, with Alex Noren a shot into third place ahead of Spain’s Adri Arnaus.
Tyrrell Hatton does not have a world championship in 2022
Fitzpatrick, who enters the third week of his longest playing career and is one of seven players still on track to win the Harry Vardon Trophy, could leapfrog Rory McIlroy and Ryan Fox atop the DP World Rankings if any of the trio ends the week. in their current positions on the board.
“The biggest thing I’m happy about today is hitting 17 pages,” Fitzpatrick said. “The one I missed I was a complete idiot, so that was a big thing for me. I kept giving myself chances and putting it really well.”
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Fitzpatrick shares the early lead
The Englishman took the first flight and rolled from the 15th hole in five after missing two greens, Fitzpatrick followed up his gains on the next two holes to close the gap on the par-five par five.
A birdie on the eighth saw Fitzpatrick reach the final 30 and another from 18 feet on the 14th put him back in the lead, with the 28-year-old capping his flawless start with four consecutive pars. .
Hatton made four birdies in the opening seven holes and topped the leaderboard with four consecutive birdies starting at the 13th, including from 65 feet on the 16th, only to find water on the final approach en route to a closing bogey. .
“Obviously it was a good day,” Hatton said. “He hit a great shot. The putter was good. I was happy with that start. My head is a little fried. [after the 18th]. My mind is just hurting for the last time there. But it is what it is. “
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Last week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge winner Tommy Fleetwood is in a four-way tie with fellow Englishman Callum Shinkwin, Scotland’s Richie Ramsay, four in a tie for fifth and Jon Rahm one of two players down.
McIlroy – who started the week with a 128-point advantage over Fox in the DP World Tour rankings – mixed five birdies and four bogeys into a one-under 71, while his fellow New Zealander bogeyed two holes in his way. to the opening section 73.
Rory McIlroy is aiming to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the fourth time
“I’m three weeks away from the CJ Cup, so I’ll try to knock the rust off there,” McIlroy said. “There was enough good stuff in there. I made five birdies and had a good shot. Yeah, I’ve got to be a little more ready tomorrow.”
Shane Lowry joined Fox at one point despite making five birdies during the opening round, Viktor Hovland – needing a win to have a chance to win the DP World Tour rankings – posted two on his back nine to post the opening- on 74.
Watch the DP World Tour Championship all weekend on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Friday with the Featured Teams from 5am on Sky Sports Golf, before the news from 7am.
