McIlroy opens with 69 as Race to Dubai title remains in play

Rory McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship with a three-under-par 69 on Thursday, putting him two strokes behind leader Joost Luiten and tied for third as he pursues the Race to Dubai title. Eugenio Chacarra, who leads the season-long standings, shot an even-par 72 and was tied for 23rd after the first round.

The opening scores narrowed the gap between McIlroy and Chacarra, but the projected standings still had Chacarra in line to win the title if results remained unchanged. Three rounds remain, and the final standings will determine the season champion.

McIlroy is seeking an eighth Race to Dubai crown, which would match the European Tour record, and a fifth consecutive title. A victory at the tournament would secure the season award; he could also win it with a lower finish if other contenders’ results allow. He is also pursuing a fourth DP World Tour Championship title.

The round was played in crosswinds, with thick rough making missed fairways costly. McIlroy said the conditions made scoring difficult and that he was pleased to finish with a birdie. He made five birdies and two bogeys in his round, finishing on the par-five 18th after a strong approach set up a short...