It's Scary Mcilroy

Rory means business on stylish return to fairways

- Neil Squires

Rory MciLroy delivered an emphatic statement of his intentions with a masterclass at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

An effortless 64 showcased the Northern Irishman at his best and gave the world No.6 a one-shot lead over the field in the European Tour opener.

The 31-year-old’s bogey-free eight-under opening round was his lowest in 12 starts in the tournament.

He said: “It feels good. I knew 65 was the best I’ve shot here and I’ve done it a few times.

“I thought, ‘Let’s try to go one better on the next nine’ and I was able to do that.