Golf: Scintillating start for Rory McIlroy in Dubai

Rory McIlroy has begun the new season in fine style, taking an early lead in the opening tournament of 2024.

The Holywood star, currently at number two in the World rankings, shot a bogey-free 62 in the first round of the Dubai Invitational. The 34-year-old hit nine birdies in a flawless round to lead by two from Germany's Yannik Paul.

Beginning on the 10th, McIlroy fired four birdies in the his opening nine holes, before another five followed on the way home.

The tournament, a pre-cursor to next week's Dubai Desert Classic, incorporates a 54-hole Pro-Am event, with 60 professionals and 60 amateurs competing over 54 holes, while the individual tournament will see McIlroy and company play the full 72 holes from Thursday to Sunday.

Tom McKibbin's also in the field and finished the day nine shots back after an opening round of level par 71.

A birdie and a bogey on the front nine saw the 21-year-old reach the turn even, with further dropped shots on 11 and 15, coming either side of a birdie on 13.

He birdied the par four 18th to finish the day just outside the top 30 in the field.

McKibbin tees off for Round Two tomorrow morning at 4.30 UK time, while McIlroy will be out to extend his lead when he goes out just over two hours later, at 6.36am.