Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed set up potential showdown in Dubai

The pre-tournament build-up had been dominated by the war of words between Reed and McIlroy

Rory McIlroy finished birdie, eagle, birdie to card an opening 66 in the delayed Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Kamran Jebreili/AP)

Brilliant finishes from Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed raised the tantalising prospect of a showdown between the pair as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic headed for a Monday finish.

Following a second delay of the week due to flooding at Emirates Golf Club, McIlroy returned to the course on Friday facing a short birdie putt on the par-three seventh, his 16th hole.