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Matt Fitzpatrick upbeat ahead of WGC-HSBC Champions debut

Thursday 5 November 2015 06:09, UK

Matthew Fitzpatrick of England looks on during the Pro Am event prior to the start of the WGC - HSBC Champions at the Shesh
Image: Fitzpatrick has impressed during his rookie season the European Tour

Matt Fitzpatrick is looking to build on an impressive rookie season when he makes his World Golf Championship debut at this week's WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

The 21-year-old comes in to the second event on the Final Series 14th in the Race to Dubai standings, having claimed British Masters victory last month and posted seven further top-ten finishes on the European Tour this season. 

Although Fitzpatrick isn't setting himself specific goals for his time in China, the Englishman is keen to extend his recent form as part of a strong field containing recent world No 1's Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy.

"I have to admit, I didn't really realise the strength of the field, but that's not a bad thing," Fitzpatrick told a pre-tournament press conference. "That's why we play the game, to be able to compete with the best.

Matthew Fitzpatrick of England tees off on the 11th hole during the Pro Am event prior to the start of the WGC - HSBC Champ
Image: Fitzpatrick is one of a number of debutants in this week's field

"I want to enjoy the week. It's already been a great experience with the brilliant facilities that are on offer here.

"We'll stick to the game plan we've made and execute that as best we can. It was a goal of mine to make all four Final Series events, and although I didn't really know what to expect, now I'm here I want to make the most of the experience."

Fitzpatrick is one of a number of players making their WGC debuts this week, with two-time winner this season Thomas Pieters and Open de Espana champion James Morrison also in the field at Sheshan International.

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The Sheffield-based player features alongside Harris English and Wenchong Liang for the first two days, while Morrison and Pieters are part of the first group to tee off on Thursday with Satoshi Kodaira. 

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Both Fitzpatrick and Anirban Lahiri could move above Byeong Hun An in the race to take the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award with a strong showing this week, with Lahiri setting himself high standards heading in to the closing stretch of the season.

"In an ideal world, I would love to win at least one of these next three events," Lahiri said. "This week would be fantastic because it would count on every tour in the world.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - NOVEMBER 04: Anirban Lahiri of India hits his tee-shot on the first hole during the Pro Am event prior to the start of the WGC - HSBC Ch
Image: SHANGHAI, CHINA - NOVEMBER 04: Anirban Lahiri of India hits his tee-shot on the first hole during the Pro Am event prior to the start of the WGC - HSBC Ch

"But it would be nice to finish as the Rookie of the Year. Although it wouldn't really feel like I am a rookie. I have been playing for a long time now.

"Where I am right now, a win would definitely get me closer to finishing top five in The Race to Dubai. So in an ideal world, hopefully that happens."

Watch the WGC-HSBC Champions live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf

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