British Masters: Matt Fitzpatrick leads at Belfry as Ryder Cup bid intensifies

Matt Fitzpatrick holds a one-shot lead after shooting a four-under 68 in the third round of the British Masters at the Belfry. The 2022 US Open champion birdied the 15th with a chip-in eagle to reach 12 under par, one ahead of Sweden’s Alex Noren.

Fitzpatrick, who won this event in 2014, said Europe captain Luke Donald encouraged him to compete here as he bids for a Ryder Cup captain’s pick ahead of the match in New York later this month.

“My confidence is high, but I’m focusing on process rather than outcome,” Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports. “I came here to make my case for the Ryder Cup.”

Race for Ryder Cup spots

Donald will choose six players on 1 September to join the six automatic qualifiers. Spain’s Jon Rahm and the emerging duo Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland are all but certain to be selected, leaving three spots up for debate.

Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard, in the final automatic qualifying position, needs to finish joint 29th or better at the Tour Championship if he skips the Masters. Ireland’s Shane Lowry currently holds that place but is not playing in this event.

England’s Marco Penge, who shot a bogey-free 63 to climb the standings, remains in contention for a pick, as does Matt Wallace, who trails at nine under and would likely need victory to bolster his claim.

Other contenders include Aaron Rai, Harry Hall and Austria’s Sepp Straka, who sits seventh in the standings.

Meanwhile, Alex Noren’s 65 signifies a return to form after a hamstring injury. The 43-year-old, who won two of his three matches at the 2016 Ryder Cup, downplayed his chances of selection given limited appearances this season.

Fitzpatrick’s stellar third round not only put him atop the leaderboard but also strengthened his bid for a Ryder Cup captain’s pick.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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