Tommy Fleetwood Leads Abu Dhabi Championship

Tommy Fleetwood shot a blistering 10-under-par 62 to take the first-round lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, equaling the course record at Yas Links. Fleetwood's remarkable performance included eight birdies and an eagle, placing him one stroke ahead of Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen and American Johannes Veerman, who both carded 63. The day featured low scoring, with 63 players in the field breaking par, while Rory McIlroy finished five shots back at 67, as he debuted a new swing after a month of practice. Fleetwood, a two-time champion of this event, expressed satisfaction with his putting, aided by advice from former pros. McIlroy needs a strong finish at Yas Links to secure his sixth Race to Dubai title next week. The championship is a crucial event within the DP World Tour Play-Offs, intensifying competition as players vie for rankings.