Sweden's Alex Noren sat at the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday (4 February) following a six-under-par 66 at Emirates Golf Club.

Play commenced in the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club on Thursday, with Rory McIlroy the headline attraction.

The defending champion began his title defence with a bogey six. However, he bounced back with birdies at the 14th and 18th holes.

Elsewhere, 2007 winner Henrik Stenson hit a three-under-par 69 for his first round.

Meanwhile, another previous winner of this event Ernie Els is at minus four heading into the second round.

So back to McIIroy who despite hitting one of the shots of the day at the 6th ended the day four-under-par 68 - two shots off the lead which is held by Alex Noren.

The Swede had a blemish-free round and finished day one in Dubai alone at six-under at the top of the leader board.