Rory McIlroy admits he is ahead of schedule after opening round in Dubai

A delighted Rory McIlroy admitted he was ahead of schedule on his comeback from injury after carding a brilliant opening round in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy called an early end to a winless and injury-plagued season last October, but returned with a tie for third in Abu Dhabi last week and carried on where he left off on Thursday.