McIlroy surges back into contention at the Abu Dhabi Championship

McIlroy has moved back into contention at the Abu Dhabi Championship after a Thursday that left him off the pace. He was assessed a two-shot penalty for improving his lie at the par-four 12th. Sky Sports reports that he is also chasing Race to Dubai Rankings leader Eugenio Chacarra: an eighth Order of Merit title would equal the record. The tournament has therefore given him an opportunity to get back into contention both on the course and in the rankings race.

His round also brought a personal milestone. According to Sky Sports, McIlroy made more birdies in a single DP World Tour round than at any other point in his career. “I did everything well again,” he said. He felt his putting had improved: “I drove the ball well. I hit my irons well. I putted a little bit better. I saw a few more putts go in, which is something that I haven't been seeing for the last couple of months.”

Reflecting on his earlier results, McIlroy said putting had cost him at Wentworth, where he finished second, and that he had struggled on the greens in India. “I finished second at Wentworth. I felt like if I had holed any putts at the weekend, I could have walked away with the win. I struggled on the greens in India,” he said. He also said he had worked with Brad Faxon last week. “I feel like I'm in a better spot with it. I definitely saw some encouraging signs on the greens today,” he added.

Looking ahead to the next day, McIlroy expects to be “at least two or three behind”. He nevertheless believes he is in a much better position than he had expected. “I give myself a great chance, and that's all I can ask for,” he said. His return to contention in Abu Dhabi gives him a genuine opportunity to stay in touch, despite the ground he lost on Thursday.