McIlroy frustrated as Fitzpatrick turns up heat in rankings race

Shane Lowry is two further shots back.

CHASING: Rory McIlroy tees off on the 18th.

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick surged into pole position to become European number one as he claimed a share of the lead with a “raging” Tyrrell Hatton in the DP World Tour Championship.

Fitzpatrick birdied the first five holes on his way to a front nine of 30 and a flawless opening 65, joining Hatton on seven under par after his Ryder Cup team-mate had dropped his only shot of the day on the 18th.