Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship

Rory McIlroy was the man to catch after the opening day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Picture: Kenny Smith/PA

Rory McIlroy reaped the rewards of a minimal off-season as he made a brilliant start to the €6.2m Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but he has yet to taste victory in one of the European Tour’s biggest events.