McIlroy leads the way

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The talented 19-year-old carded nine birdies to open up a one-stroke lead over Sweden's Robert Karlsson, only a day after new Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie named him as a potential candidate for Celtic Manor next year.

McIlroy's only blemish came on his fourth hole of the day when he drove into a bush, but he made amends as he holed from 15 feet on the last for a birdie to ensure the outright lead.

European number one Karlsson, a Ryder Cup winner in 2006, carded a bogey-free 65 to sit in the clubhouse a shot clear of early pacesetter Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and South Africa's Charl Schwartzel, who was only able to play 14 holes and will join 59 others in completing their rounds on Friday morning.

Frenchman Gregory Havret and Sweden's Alexander Noren opened with 67s, while Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey bounced back from missing the cut last week in Qatar with a bogey-free 68 to join in-form South African Louis Oosthuizen, who has finished second at his last two events, Graeme Storm and Justin Rose at four under.

Hennie Otto made it three South Africans inside the top 10 as he joined the quartet at four under with four holes to play of his first round.