| -seven JB Hansen (Lair); -6 S Harding (AS)*; -5 P Larrazabal (Spa), S Garcia (Spa), A Pavan (Ita), T Fleetwood (Eng) T Jaidee (Tha), F Zanotti (Par) |
| Selected: -4 C Morikawa (USA), V Hovland (north); -3 T Hatton (Eng), L Westwood (Eng); -2 P Casey (Eng); -1 R McIlroy (NI) |
| * indicates that the first round remains to be completed |
Open champion Collin Morikawa was “disappointed” by a poor finish that cost him the lead in round one of the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.
The American, who could replace Jon Rahm as world number one if he wins this week, bugged three of the last four holes to post a four-under 68.
Denmark’s Joachim B. Hansen leads with seven under, although darkness prevented six players from finishing.
South African Justin Harding is six under with the 18th hole to go.
Tommy Fleetwood and 2017 champion Sergio Garcia are in a five-under group, while Norway’s Viktor Hovland is tied with Morikawa at four under.
“It was a disappointing ending,” said Morikawa, 24, who has won two major tournaments.
“I was working Wednesday, late after the Pro-Am, trying to figure things out. When you think about so many things, you always have to remember to go play golf.
“I’m happy with four cents. Not thrilled, but seeing some of the things I worked on show up on the course was really nice.”
England’s Tyrrell Hatton, Lee Westwood and Richard Bland are among an 11-man field who opened with three 69s under par, while defending champion Paul Casey bogeyed two of his last three holes to post a 70 and sit alongside last week’s winner, Thomas Pieters. .
Two-time winner Rory McIlroy is one shot further after an opening 71.
The Northern Irishman, who played with Morikawa and was three under after five holes, said: “I hit the ball well most of the day.
“There were some loose shots in there and I feel like I bugged three of the easiest holes on the course, 18, two and seven.”
