McIlroy Insists "No Intent" After Two-Shot Penalty Turns Opening 68 Into a 70 in Abu Dhabi

Rory McIlroy's bid for a first win at the Abu Dhabi Championship suffered an early blow after he was handed a two-shot penalty for improving his lie during Thursday's opening round at Yas Links. The Northern Irishman appeared to have signed for a four-under 68, but a post-round ruling turned his double bogey on the par-four 12th into a quadruple bogey, leaving him with a two-under 70 and eight shots behind leader Francesco Laporta. Video circulated on social media appeared to show McIlroy improving his lie in the rough as he assessed his second chip shot on the 12th, after blasting his tee shot 357 yards down the fairway. Under Rule 8.1 of the Rules of Golf, a player must not take actions that artificially improve the conditions affecting a stroke, and breaching it carries a two-stroke penalty. McIlroy insisted there was no intent, saying he was happy to take the penalty and move on into Friday's second round. The setback dents McIlroy's hopes of claiming a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, with Laporta leading after a superb 10-under 62 and Jon Rahm three shots back on seven under. McIlroy, who has finished in the top three at this event ten times without ever winning it, resumes on Friday alongside Casey Jarvis and Andy Sullivan, needing a strong second round to climb back into contention.