Rory McIlroy makes flying start in opening group match

Two early birdies helped the World number three to move three up after six holes.

FLYING START: Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the rough on the third hole during the first round of the Dell Technologies Match Play Championship golf tournament in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Rory McIlroy led from start to finish to beat American Scott Stallings 3&1 in his opening group match in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play Championship

Two early birdies helped McIlroy move three up after six holes, but the world number three then bogeyed the eighth and lost the ninth to a birdie from his opponent.