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DUBAI: Rory McIlroy made a stunning start to the defense of his Race to Dubai title on Thursday, hitting a bogey-free 62 that handed him a two-shot lead on 9 under after the opening day of the inaugural Dubai Invitational.

The Northern Irishman was teeing off for the first time since being presented with his fifth Harry Vardon Trophy at the DP World Tour Championship in November. He returned to the UAE looking for a sixth career win in Dubai, the place where he claimed his first, nearly 15 years ago.

His nine birdies left him in the lead ahead of Germany’s Yannik Paul, with South African Thriston Lawrence a shot further back on 6 under. Multiple DP World Tour winners and Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood and Thorbjorn Olesen were four shots off the lead.

“I didn’t expect that,” said McIlroy. “It didn’t feel quite as good as that the first couple of days when I was here and hitting balls and playing the course. It was nice to get a card in the hand again and sort of feel the competitive juices flowing.

“This is a nice week to do some extra practice and put some work in so that I feel a bit more ready not just for next week … but also going into the bulk of the season.”

In the pro-am team event, McIlroy and tournament host Abdulla Al-Naboodah led the way on 13 under, three shots clear of Paul and J. J. Dudum.

Among the amateurs competing at the event, several Premier League footballers, past and present, have been gracing Dubai Creek Resort with their presence on and off the course.

Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke, who played alongside professional Matthew Southgate in the first round, finished tied for 19th place in the team event on 5 under par.

“It was a bit of a mixed bag but overall pretty happy,” Yorke of his performance. “We would have liked to have done a tad better but nevertheless it was a great time. Matthew was a super guy to be around and real fun, and he’s obviously a really good player.”

Arsenal and England star Declan Rice joined McIlroy for his practice round on Wednesday and was full of praise for the world No. 2.

“Seeing him up close and getting to know him on a personal level was really special,” said Rice. “Just being up close and personal as a golf fan, seeing how he works, it’s been so good to walk round and see how precise he is. The difference between being a good golfer and being a top golfer is clear to see.”