Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland was assessed a two-shot penalty after the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on Wednesday, dropping him down the leaderboard. Italy's Francesco Laporta seized the lead with a 10-under-par 62 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The penalty stemmed from a rules infringement during McIlroy's opening round. The four-time major champion had carded a 67 before the penalty was applied, leaving him at 3-under overall. Laporta's bogey-free round included eight birdies and an eagle, giving him a two-stroke advantage over a group of players at 8-under.
Spain's Eugenio Chacarra also featured in the early action. The tournament, part of the European Tour schedule, continues through Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.
