Michael Kim recorded an 8-under-par 64 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the first round at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Kim's bogey-free round at Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth Course) put him just ahead of England's Tommy Fleetwood (65) and two strokes ahead of three golfers -- including Rory McIlroy (66). The Northern Irishman, who holds a 767-point lead on Marco Penge, is bidding to be crowned as Europe's top player for the fourth straight year and seventh time in his career.

McIlroy got off to a fast start with birdies on Nos. 1-3 and finished with seven overall to gain an eight-stroke edge on England's Penge (74). McIlroy sits in a third-place tie in this tournament with Englishman Andy Sullivan and South African Thriston Lawr

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