Matthew Fitzpatrick was determined to keep the focus on his own game as he looked to secure his place in the Ryder Cup Team at the D+D REAL Czech Masters.
The Englishman currently holds the final qualifying spot in Darren Clarke's side to go to Hazeltine in September, and two opening rounds of 69 put him in a good position to solidify that over the weekend in Prague.
The qualification process ends at next week's Made in Denmark - where Fitzpatrick is also playing - but the 21 year old is hopeful that he can take the pressure off with a win this week.
"It's a great start to the week for me," he said. "I think everyone in the world knows it's a big week this week, as is next week, so to start like that is very pleasing.
"At the minute, it's in my hands. If I have a good week here and a good week next week then I'll close it up. It would be nice to do it here if I'm honest. There's still two weeks to go. A couple of boys are playing over in the States and a couple are playing here so I'll just focus on my own game and see where we end up."
Fitzpatrick played his first two rounds at Albatross Golf Resort with Clarke's Vice Captain Thomas Bjørn and fellow Ryder Cup hopeful Andy Sullivan, with his playing partners both battling to over par totals.
Sullivan sits one place ahead of Fitzpatrick in the qualifying race and the latter is hopeful both he and his countryman will make it to Minnesota.
I think everyone in the world knows it's a big week this week, as is next week, so to start like that is very pleasing - Matthew Fitzpatrick
"He struggled today and yesterday a little bit but the thing that strikes me about Andy is his attitude is fantastic," he said.
"He couldn't stop trying, no matter whether he hits a bad shot, he's always smiling, laughing and still joking out there. I think that's a big thing if you've got that on your team.
"Even though he's a rookie, he might be the one to put his arm around you and say 'come on, just keep it going and go win another point'. All being well, we'll be in that team come September."
Fitzpatrick finished third in his first appearance at this event last season and is delighted to be back at a layout that has undergone some changes in the last 12 months.
"I've hit it really well tee to green," he said. "I want to do that again over the weekend and give myself lots of chances.
"I like the course here and even if I have a bad one the next two, I can't complain because I know I like the course, it's a nice place to come back to.
"It's interesting, the changes they've made. I think it makes it better. The par fives are less gettable to most people now because you can't just hit 20 yards short and get up and down because there is all water in play, which is really smart.
