Dubai —Justin Rose struck an early blow in the Race to Dubai by trouncing his playing partner Tommy Fleetwood as the two went head to head in the season-defining DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Thursday. Briton Rose, the world No6, shot a near flawless 66 to finish one shot behind first-round leader Patrick Reed of the US and seven ahead of Fleetwood, who started with a 256,000-point lead in the European Tour money list. Rose, who ended the round joint second with Australia’s Scott Hend, knows he will win the $1.25m race if he stays in second place and above compatriot Fleetwood. Sergio Garcia is the only contender but his round of 70 left him four shots adrift of Rose. The Spaniard needs victory to stand any chance of winning the race. Rose was supremely confident after victories in his last two tournaments at the WGC HSBC Champions in China and the Turkish Airlines Open. He received an immediate boost at the opening hole when a nervous Fleetwood dropped two shots. Rose’s ro...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.