Rory McIlroy did his chances of becoming the new European number one no harm as five birdies in the last six holes saw him finish the opening round of the Dubai World Championship two shots behind leader Peter Hanson. The Ulsterman, who needs to win the $7.5 million tournament to go on top of the Race to Dubai in his fascinating charge on runaway leader Luke Donald, made a double bogey on his second hole, but finished the day at six-under par 66. That took him to third place after the first round, with only Swede Hanson, who matched the course record of 64, and the 1999 British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland, who made full use of benign early morning conditions with a seven-under par 65, ahead of him.
