Roaring start for Rory in Dubai

Rory McIlroy was emphatically living up to his billing as pre-tournament favourite as Tiger Woods battled to match his playing partner’s exploits in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.

McIlroy carded six birdies and an eagle in his first 12 holes at Emirates Golf Club to storm into the lead, one shot ahead of France’s Julien Quesne and four clear of Woods.