Rory McIlroy was assessed a two-shot penalty following the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links on Thursday, dropping him down the leaderboard. The Northern Irishman had carded a score that initially placed him in contention, but the penalty altered his standing.
Spain's Laporta seized the early lead with a bogey-free 10-under-par 62, holding a one-shot advantage over the chasing pack. The tournament, part of the European Tour schedule, continues through Sunday.
