Slick Rory McIlroy lays down early marker for Jordan Spieth in Abu Dhabi

Jordan Spieth fell foul of a crackdown on slow play as a “masterclass” from Rory McIlroy ensured the world number three won their first duel of the year at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

McIlroy had insisted he was not concerned about laying down a marker to Spieth after being drawn with the Masters and US Open champion, but the four-time major winner certainly made an impression with an opening 66.

“It was a masterclass, the Rory that I have seen win major championships,” Spieth said after a birdie on the last ensured he finished just two shots behind McIlroy and four behind fellow American Bryson DeChambeau, a 22-year-old amateur who topped the leaderboard.