Four successive birdies place Fitzpatrick clearly in Dubai

Matthew Fitzpatrick made six birdies in eighth place at Emirates Golf Club Dubai Classic, first round leaderboard-7 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -6 B DeChambeau (USA), S Garcia (Spa), K Samooja (Fin), T Jaidee (Tha), S Hend (Aus), C Shinkwin (Eng), R Langasque (Fra) Other selected: -5 L Westwood (Eng), I Poulter (Eng), P Waring (Eng); -4 S Gallacher (Sco), T Fleetwood (B), B Dredge (Wal). Leaderboard

Matthew Fitzpatrick from England leads the Dubai Desert Classic with one blow after finishing his opening round with four consecutive birdies on Thursday.

American Bryson DeChambeau and Masters champion 2017, Sergio Garcia, belong to a group of eight players a shot from the lead to six under par.

Fitzpatrick carded eight birdies in total to finish at 65 for the day.

Fellow Englishman Callum Shinkwin is also only one blow back after an eagle on the par-four 17th.

"I like the golf course, it's hard, you have to hit fairways, you have to hit greens and I think it suits my game well if I play well," said Fitzpatrick.

"So it's nice to get off to a good start and three rounds like that would be fun."

compatriots Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Paul Waring ended five times, with Tommy Fleetwood and Scotland & # 39; s Stephen G allacher yet another blow.