2022 DP World Tour Championship standings, scores: Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton start to break up
As was the case after completing the first round, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton together topped the leaderboard to enter the weekend at the 2022 DP World Tour Championship. Playing in the last group in the second round, two Ryder Cup teammates sparred with Jumeirah Golf Estates, and eventually signed 5 under 67 rounds to end their day under 12 for the tournament. .
While Fitzpatrick was the one to shoot out of the gate on Thursday, it was Hatton’s turn on Friday. Connecting with four birdies in his opening five holes, Hatton quickly led his playing opponent by three strokes.
“I’m pretty happy with the score,” Hatton said. Today I have another good start. “Hopefully the putter is still pretty hot and we have a nice weekend. Still 36 holes to play. I have a pretty good record here. Matt [Fitzpatrick] have a great track record around here. But, you know, we’re going to enjoy each other’s company tomorrow and hopefully we can keep playing well.”
The world number 29 struggled and scorned when three bogeys in his next seven holes allowed Fitzpatrick to return. The defending US Open champion regained some of the lead with a birdie on the 15th par-4, and took the lead with another birdie on the back hole. This lead would be short-lived as Hatton converted a 20-foot birdie opportunity on the 17th par-3 before both saved par on the par-5 late on the 18th. when trying to pass the tee.
“Just keep pushing, keep playing the way I feel right now. I feel really comfortable with my match position, especially after three weeks off and looking forward to the weekend, ” said Fitzpatrick. “I feel like I’ve played two good innings to start and put myself in the right position, and I’ll continue to do so a lot more and see what takes me through on Sunday.”
Because of their efforts, the British gained a three-stroke advantage over their closest pursuers. Former Ryder Cup Europe member Alex Noren is in under 9 with Adri Arnaus, and a little further a few big fish waiting in the shallows. Two-time DP World Tour Championship champion Jon Rahm is bottom eight after a superb 6-under 66 while Rory McIlroy is bottom five thanks to a quick finish.
Round 2 standings, scores
- T1. Matt Fitzpatrick: -12
- T1. Tyrrell Hatton: -12
- T3. Alex Noren: -9
- T3. Adri Arnaus: -9
- T5. Jon Rahm: -8
- T5. Jorge Campillo: -8
- 6. Kurt Kitayama: -7
- T8. Tommy Fleetwood: -6
- T8. Rasmus Hojgaard: -6
- T8. Min Woo Lee: -6
- T11. Rory McIlroy: -5
- T11. Adrian Otaegui: -5
- T11. Richie Ramsay: -5
- T11. Yannik Paul: -5
- T11. Maximilian Kieffer: -5
World No. 1 may have figured something out
A birdie-birdie-eagle finish sent McIlroy into the fourth round under 68 in the second round and back in contention. Playing the first 33 holes to eat 1 under, the world No. 1 player found himself 10 strokes behind. Now at under 5, he’s in 11th place and just seven behind. McIlroy is tipped to finish second in the DP World Tour Rankings after entering the week at the top thanks to Fitzpatrick’s presence at the top of the leaderboard.
“[It was] McIlroy talks about his quick finish. “Whatever it is, I need to bottle up for the weekend. It’s nice to end up stellar there and put yourself a little closer to the boys. You never know, it ends here. on Friday could be the key to something happening over the next 36 holes.”
DP World Tour Championship updated odds and picks
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
- Matt Fitzpatrick: 8/5
- Tyrrell Hatton: 5/2
- Jon Rahm: 5-1
- Rory McIlroy: 12-1
- Alex Noren: 12-1
- Adri Arnaus: 25-1
- Kurt Kitayama: 30-1
- Tommy Fleetwood: 35-1
One member of the British duo has the potential to win the title, but I can’t help but look at Rahm 5-1. Entering the week as one of the hottest tennis players in the world, the Spaniard was able to return to the tournament with seven birdies with just one bogey. Rahm left a few shots on Friday and will have a chance to hit the final nine holes on Sunday if he can use his putter in the same way as his previous five starts.
