Impressive Hatton opens up an early lead

Tyrrell Hatton made an impressive start in the early stages of the third round in his bid to become the first to win back-to-back Alfred Dunhill Links Championships.

Starting at the 10th hole at Kingsbarns, he birdied three of his first five holes to be out in 33, then added yet another birdie at the 1st, his 10th, to stay clear of the rest of the field on 15-under-par.

Tommy Fleetwood, who shared the overnight lead with Hatton, had a mixed start with two birdies and two bogeys, also at Kingsbarns, and dropped back.

There was also a strong start from talented young England player Matt Wallace, who had three birdies in his first nine holes to move to 11-under-par.