DUBAI (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy hit a sizzling nine-under 63 to lead the first round of the $2.5 million (1.5 million pounds) Dubai Desert Classic by two strokes on Thursday, bolstering his hopes of claiming a first European tour win since 2012.
Playing the back nine holes first, the Northern Irishman was unperturbed by a 0405 GMT tee-off time, reaching the turn at five-under after sinking a quintet of birdies from the 12th to the 18th.
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