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