Rory McIlroy boosts Race to Dubai title hopes after strong opening round

While Rory McIlroy rolled in seven birdies in a 6-under 66, Marco Penge — the young pretender trying to overhaul the established superstar in the European tour's Race to Dubai standings — struggled to a first round 74 

IN CONTROL: Rory McIlroy with his approach to No 15 en route to an opening 66 at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Pic: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy strengthened his grip on a fourth successive Race to Dubai title with an opening 66 at the DP World Tour Championship further reducing his only two rivals' hopes of catching him.

No-one will be able to stop the Irishman being crowned Europe's top golfer for a seventh time - just one behind Colin Montgomerie - if he finishes in outright second.