McIlroy joint leader at DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy claimed a share of the lead on day one of the DP World Tour Championship to further tighten his grip on a sixth Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy carded six birdies and a solitary bogey in an opening 67 matched by Ryder Cup team-mate Tyrrell Hatton, with England’s Paul Waring, who won in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, a shot off the pace.
Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can stop McIlroy topping the money list for the third year running by winning the season-ending event, and even that would not be enough if McIlroy finishes 11th or better in the 50-man field.
Playing alongside McIlroy in the first round at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Lawrence could only manage an opening 73.
McIlroy has won two individual titles in 2024, as well as the Zurich Classic team event with Shane Lowry, but admitted failing to claim a long overdue fifth major title in the US Open still “stings” and gave his season a B grade overall.
Hatton, who won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October and finished runner-up to Waring in Abu Dhabi, carded seven birdies and two bogeys in his 67. -Independent
