Showing off a revamped backswing he spent weeks working on, McIlroy kept his misses to a minimum in posting an opening-round 67 and is tied for the lead after the first day of the event with Tyrrell Hatton at 5 under.

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.

The Race to Dubai may be close to being over, but the quest for the 2024 DP World Tour Championship has just begun. Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy opened the European finale with a sizzling 5-under 67 to join his Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton atop the leaderboard after the first day of action.