Patience paid dividends for Rory McIlroy, as he enjoyed a highly promising competitive comeback in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where defending champion Tommy Fleetwood shared the lead after day one.

Australia’s Jason Day shot to the individual lead of the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne, as he eyes the lucrative prize on offer.

Jose Maria Olazabal has called for a “special” performance as his European team seek to overturn a five-point deficit to defeat Asia and extend their 100% record in The Royal Trophy.

Asia were in the ascendancy midway through the opening day’s foursomes at The Royal Trophy as Europe squandered early advantages.

WORLD number 42 Peter Lonard clinched his first Australian Open title yesterday when a birdie at the 72nd hole edged out US Open runner-up Stephen Leaney and Chris Downes by a stroke.