McIlroy sets the pace in Dubai

Irish prodigy Rory McIlroy produced a timely eight-under-par 64 today to open up a one-stroke lead midway through the first round of the delayed Dubai Desert Classic.

Irish golf prodigy Rory McIlroy produced a timely eight-under-par 64 today to open up a one-stroke lead midway through the first round of the delayed Dubai Desert Classic.

After the start of the opening round at Emirates Golf Club was delayed for two hours and 40 minutes due to fog, the talented teenager carded nine birdies to open up a one-stroke lead over Sweden's Robert Karlsson only a day after new Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie named him as a potential candidate for Celtic Manor next year.