I'LL FITZ RYDE IN

Matt's in a New York state of mind

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MATT FITZPATRICK did his Ryder Cup prospects a power of good at The Belfry yesterday.

The 30-year-old Brit, desperate to be one of European captain Luke Donald's picks after failing to qualify automatically, carded a first-round 67 at the Betfred British Masters to lie just one stroke behind a quartet of leaders.

Fitzpatrick told the DP World Tour website: "This week is another opportunity to play well.

"That is why I am here. To get off to a good start is always nice and hopefully I'll kick on.

"It means the world to be a part of the Ryder Cup. Outside of winning a Major it is normally the first thing on a goal sheet at the start of a Ryder Cup year.