McIlroy makes strong start in bid to equal Montgomerie’s record

Rory McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship with a three-under-par 69, putting him two shots behind leader Joost Luiten and in contention for the title. He is also chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai crown, matching Colin Montgomerie’s mark, and a fifth successive season-long triumph.

McIlroy made five birdies and two bogeys in windy conditions, including a birdie at the last after taking six at the par-five 14th. Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra is 533.93 points ahead of McIlroy, with 2,000 points available to the winner; both can secure the season title with victory. Luiten shot 67, one ahead of Jacob Skov Olesen, while Chacarra finished level par and Patrick Reed shot 75.