Abu Dhabi Championship: Rory McIlroy handed two-shot penalty for rules infringement as Francesco Laporta sets early pace

Francesco Laporta holds a three-shot lead after the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, where Rory McIlroy's Race to Dubai hopes suffered a setback after being handed a two-shot penalty post-round. <p>Laporta opened a three-shot advantage after a low-scoring opening day at Yas Links GC, where he narrowly missed out on the course record during his bogey-free 62.</p><p>The Italian carded an eagle and eight birdies to set the clubhouse lead ahead of Jon Rahm, Sam Bairstow and Bernd Wiesberger, who all sit on seven under, while Matthew Jordan and Adrian Meronk are both a further stroke back in a share of fifth.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/abu-dhabi-aldar-championship-2026/leaderboard?round=1">Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship: Latest leaderboard</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/dp-world-tour">DP World Tour: Latest headlines, reports and highlight</a></strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/dp-world-tour"><strong>s</strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.sky.com/tv/sports?dcmp=Ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink">Get the latest Sky Sports deals</a> or <a href="http://www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink">stream with no contract</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/watch/golf-on-sky">What golf is live on Sky Sports and when?