GB and Ireland close on victory in Team Cup

Justin Rose's Britain and Ireland side dominated on Saturday against Continental Europe to move to the brink of victory in the European Tour's Team Cup event in Abu Dhabi.

The British and Irish team moved within two points of regaining the trophy in the battle between contenders for a place on captain Luke Donald's Ryder Cup team later this year.

French duo Matthieu Pavon and Romain Langasque again impressed with two foursomes wins for Continental Europe, but none of their other partnerships could produce a win as GB and Ireland seized an 11-4 lead heading into Sunday's singles.

LIV player Tyrrell Hatton, hoping to be selected for a fourth straight Ryder Cup in September at Bethpage Black, took his personal tally to 2.5 points for the week with a win and a tie alongside fellow Englishman Matt Wallace.

"We played so good this morning and trying to continue that momentum is always difficult," said Hatton.

"Bit scrappy at times today, around the turn was massive for us and ultimately very happy to win our point this afternoon."

Tommy Fleetwood, who clinched the winning point against the USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, took his personal tally to three points from as many matches.

Northern Irish youngster Tom McKibbin, widely linked with a move to the breakaway LIV circuit, also maintained his 100-per cent record this week.

Fleetwood and Hatton will play the first two singles matches on Sunday against Pavon and Thorbjorn Olesen respectively, hoping to quickly wrap up overall victory.