HEAVY HATTON LAUNCHES HIS STOUT DEFENCE

TYRRELL HATTON outscored a "horrified" Rory Mcllroy at the Dubai Desert Classic, despite piling on a stone sinking wine and Guinness over Christmas.

- NEIL MCLEMAN

The LIV Golf star claimed he was "turning like the Titanic" during an opening round 70 in defence of his title during his "damp January".

In his pre-tournament press conference, Masters champion Mcllroy told Ryder Cup team-mate Hatton to pay the fines for playing on the Saudi-backed tour, to stay eligible for Europe.