European Masters: Fitzpatrick and Willett both in contention

Danny Willett and defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick fired themselves into contention on a brilliant second day for the Sheffield pair at the Omega European Masters.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Sep 2018, 18:11 BST

Updated 7th Sep 2018, 18:16 BST

Matt Fitzpatrick is thriving at the European Masters

Last year's winner Fitzpatrick recovered from a difficult start at Crans Montana to card a brilliant, best-of-the-day, six under par 64 to move onto seven under for the tournament, two shots behind leader Hideto Tanihara.

The 24-year-old carded two bogeys in the first four holes but followed immediately with three straight birdies on his way to a flawless back nine which left him in a tie for second overnight alongside Denmark's Lucas Bjerregaard.

Willett sits a shot behind on six under par, largely down to a brilliant finish to his round.

Starting on ten, the 30-year-old enjoyed a steady opening nine holes with one birdie before a bogey on one looked to hinder any progress.

He followed with an immediate birdie before birdieing his final three holes to card a 66 for the day.

Scotland's Stephen Gallagher joined Willett in a tie for fourth overnight.