Friday cover: Slow then steady opening round for Rory McIlroy at Dubai Desert Classic



Rory McIlroy takes The National Sport front page on Friday, February 5 after recovering from a shaky start to fire himself into contention at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

A four-under par round of 68 put world No 3 McIlroy among the group behind overnight leader Alex Noren, and the Northern Irishman’s second round followed a similar pattern.

After shooting three-over par on his front nine, McIlroy was perilously close to the projected cut line only to recover with a three-under par back nine to finish par for the day.

Discussing his round, McIlroy said a 68 was a "fair reflection" on the way he played in the opening round at Emirates Golf Club.

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5