McIlroy hoping to last pace in Dubai

Rory McIlroy is hoping his storming start to the Dubai Desert Classic will finally help him to a breakthrough win.

After being tipped as a potential Ryder Cup player next year by captain Colin Montgomerie, the 19-year-old from the North carded an eight-under-par 64 yesterday for a one-shot lead over Robert Karlsson – although almost half the field were unable to complete their first rounds because of fog at Emirates Golf Club.