Abu Dhabi Championship: Rory McIlroy handed two-shot penalty for rules infringement as Francesco Laporta sets early pace
Francesco Laporta holds a three-shot lead after the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, where Rory McIlroy's Race to Dubai hopes suffered a setback after being handed a two-shot penalty post-round.
Laporta opened a three-shot advantage after a low-scoring opening day at Yas Links GC, where he narrowly missed out on the course record during his bogey-free 62.
The Italian carded an eagle and eight birdies to set the clubhouse lead ahead of Jon Rahm, Sam Bairstow and Bernd Wiesberger, who all sit on seven under, while Matthew Jordan and Adrian Meronk are both a further stroke back in a share of fifth.
McIlroy started the week third in the season-long standings as he chases a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, with The Masters champion initially appearing to be six strokes back after birdieing three of his final five holes.
The Northern Irishman was adjudged to have improved his lie at the par-four 12th and assessed a two-shot penalty post-round, seeing his double-bogey six into a quadruple-bogey eight and leaving him signing for a two-under 70.
More to follow...
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5 of November 2026
