Fitzpatrick's Ryder bid off to a flier

MATT FITZPATRICK was one shot off the lead after the first round of the British Masters, behind a quartet of players on six under par.

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Home favourite Fitzpatrick fired seven birdies and two bogeys at The Belfry to sign for an opening 67.

‘The 30-year-old, who claimed the first of his nine DP World Tour titles at this event in 2015, cannot qualify automatically for next month’s Ryder Cup.