Two Brits on Top at European Masters


Danny Willett has been joined atop the leaderboard by fellow Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick in the European Masters underway at Crans Montana Golf Club in Switzerland.

Willett, who soared into first after a stellar 8-under 62 Friday, posted a 1-over 71 and was joined in that position at 12-under 198 by young Fitzpatrick, who fired a 64. Trailing the duo by two strokes is Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin, who had a 68.

Willett, who made a run at the Claret Jug during last week's Open Championship at St. Andrews before finishing tied for sixth, carded three birdies, an eagle on the par-5 15th hole, three bogeys and a double on the par-4 fourth hole.

The 20-year-old Fitzpatrick, winner of the 2013 U.S. Amateur who turned pro prior to the 2014 U.S. Open, had eight birdies - including four in his final six holes - and a pair of bogeys.

"I didn't get off to the best of starts, with a bogey at the first. At that point 74 was looking much more likely than 64," noted Fitzpatrick. "I feel like I've been playing well for a while now, so it's been coming but 65-64 yesterday and today is still good going.

"I've just got to keep it going really. It sounds really boring, but I'll be taking it one hole at a time and trying to stay in the moment, and stay patient. Although that's easier said than done!"

Willett admitted he wasn't at his best on Saturday, a day when the winds picked up. "Golf's not the greatest game when you're feeling a little bit under the weather, but I won't be using it as an excuse," he said. "It wasn't the best of days, and the round could've got away from me early doors. So it was good to hang tough and finish off the round quite nicely.

"Hopefully that's my one bad round out the way. If we get another day like today, not too many people are going to go low out there, so we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully I can commit to a few more shots than I did today."

Defending champion and Los Angeles native David Lipsky had a 69 and is in solo fourth at 9-under, while South Koreans Seuk-hyun Baek and Y.E. Yang each carded 74s and enter Sunday tied for fifth at 202.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015056/leaderboard/index.html#Dko5pwyiJREuHfei.97.