Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello and England’s Tyrrell Hatton were the leading lights for Europe at last week’s World Golf Championship in Mexico, and after both claimed a share of third place they moved higher up The Ryder Cup projected standings.

The duo both produced a fine display with closing rounds of 67 in Mexico City, finishing one shot off a place in a play-off against Americans Justin Thomas and eventual champion Phil Mickelson.

Following such impressive displays against the game’s elite, Hatton has ousted fellow countryman Justin Rose at the top of the projected rankings while Cabrera Bello now occupies the last place among the automatic qualifiers, overtaking Alex Noren to take eighth place.

Also finishing in the top ten in Mexico last week was reigning Masters Champion Segio Garcia, who joined Dustin Johnson in seventh place after a one under par final round of 70.

RELATED: Latest Ryder Cup Europe points standings

The points race, which began at the D+D REAL Czech Masters last year, will heat up once May comes around, when points earned will be multiplied by 1.5 at Rolex Series events.

This change to the points system will come into effect at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the first Rolex Series event of the season, promising plenty of drama over the coming year.