McIlroy shares lead, strengthens Dubai title bid

Rory McIlroy boosted his bid for a third straight Race to Dubai title and sixth overall by seizing a share of the lead on Thursday after the first round of the DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, carded six birdies against one bogey to finish with a 5-under 67. The 35-year-old sank a […]

Rory McIlroy boosted his bid for a third straight Race to Dubai title and sixth overall by seizing a share of the lead on Thursday after the first round of the DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, carded six birdies against one bogey to finish with a 5-under 67.

The 35-year-old sank a 50-foot putt for birdie on the par-3 17th hole to join Englishman Tyrrell Hatton atop the season-ending event at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

The third-ranked McIlroy would win the year-long points race with at least a 10th place finish at this event.