Middle Eastern promise for McIlroy

RORY McILROY needed little time to rekindle last seasons explosive form by moving straight into contention on day one of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

McIlroy posted a six under par 66 in glorious scoring conditions to end the round among nine players locked in fourth place but just a stroke from the lead in the €1.5m event.

Three players – England’s Ian Poulter along with compatriot Richard Bland and South African Keith Horne – lead after rounds of 65.