Defending champion Rory McIlroy is five shots behind the leader after completing his opening round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy, who is chasing a record fifth title at the Emirates and his third in a row, birdied the 16th hole to shoot a 2-under 70 in the first round.

Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington were among the players who shot 70 in the clubhouse with McIlroy, behind Ricardo Gouveia and David Micheluzzi, 5 strokes.

Portuguese player Gouvia and Australian player Michelucci, ranked 405th and 225th respectively in the world, are tied for the lead after 65 rounds.

“The first round of the year and the first round in a while,” McIlroy told sky sports. “Some of the shots were a little uncomfortable.

“(But) I got it and got it, which is good. I didn’t take myself out of the tournament, and that’s the most important thing.”

McKibbin’s reported move to LIV Golf was a major talking point ahead of the tournament, with McIlroy admitting he would be “disappointed” if the 22-year-old joined the Saudi-funded breakaway league ahead of his title defense in Dubai.

On the course, McKibbin had four birdies and was three back of the lead after the 14th hole, but a double bogey on the sixth hole left the Northern Irishman stranded towards the end of the round. Stuttering occurs.

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Sky Sports Heroes Dubai Desert Classic

sky sports Coverage of all four rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be expanded, with featured groups live starting at 4am each day sky sports golf And place bonus actions before main actions.

Live coverage continues at 7.30am on Fridays and starts at 7am on weekends, with Sky Sports also showing all four rounds of the PGA Tour American Express and Latin American Amateur Championship. Stream DP world tour, professional events and more through NOW.