McIlroy handed two-shot penalty for improving lie

Rory McIlroy has been hit with a two-shot penalty for improving his lie during the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

The six-time major winner was deemed to have improved his lie by pressing down on the grass behind his ball with his club before hitting a chip on the par-four 12th at Yas Links.

The infraction, which was assessed following his round, changed his six to a quadruple bogey eight - his only dropped shots of the round - and meant he signed for a two-under 70.

Northern Ireland's McIlroy, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, looked to have made a strong start to the tournament with a four-under 68, but the penalty leaves him eight shots adrift of leader Francesco Laporta.