Molinari retains control in Race to Dubai

Golf - European Tour - British Masters - Walton Heath Golf Club, Walton-on-the-Hill, Britain - October 11, 2018 Italy's Francesco Molinari during the first round Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

(Reuters) - Italy's Francesco Molinari kept his grip on the European Tour's season-defining crown despite two late bogeys in a four-under-par 68 that kept him within two shots of the lead on day one of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Thursday.

Molinari, who will secure the Race to Dubai title if he finishes in a two-way tie for fifth or better at Jumeirah Golf Estates this week, exuded a sense of calm as he chalked up three birdies on the front nine.