The opening day of the DP World Tour Championship ends with a four-way share of the lead, as the Race to Dubai finale begins at the Jumeirah Golf Club on Thursday (19th November).

The first day of the DP World Tour Championship proved to be one filled with surprises.

Ian Poulter entered the competition without a tournament victory in three years, but the Englishman ended the day in share of the lead in Dubai.

A flawless round of 66 meant left him on six-under-par alongside Martin Kaymer, Andy Sullivan and Marcus Fraser.

Equally shocking was Henrik Stenson's performance.

The defending champion failed to find any rhythm on the course and carded a dismall 77 leaving him joint last on the leaderboard at five over par.

The Swede now faces a monumental task if he is to claim a hat-trick of victories in the European Tour's season finale.

Rory McIlroy and Danny Willett were last to tee off as they battle it out for top spot on the money list.

The 26-year-old Northern Irishman leads Willett by 1,613 points, and the two could not seperated on the opening day.

Both carded 68 for a share of fifth place at four-under-par.