Even if Penge were to win the final event, the Co Down star would claim the season-long Race to Dubai by finishing solo second.

But Penge’s chances of pulling that off look over now after he opened with a two over 74, and an impressive McIlroy cruised around the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in 66.

The Holywood star (36) put on an imperious display of approach and short game prowess to end the day tied for third with England’s Andy Sullivan and South Africa’s Thriston Laurence as American Michael Kim shot 64 to lead by a shot from Tommy Fleetwood.

He birdied the first three holes, and while he bogeyed the fourth after driving into sand, he picked up shots at the seventh, 10th, 11th and 14th to record his 15th round of 66 or better on the Earth Course.

“Yeah, got off to the perf

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