McIlroy recovers after slow start in Dubai; Pieters leads

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Top-ranked Rory McIlroy was mounting a recovery from a slow start to the Dubai Desert Classic when play was suspended with only 11 players managing to finish their weather-affected first rounds. The start of the European tour event was delayed by more than six hours after heavy overnight rain left the course unplayable at Emirates Golf Club. McIlroy got in 15 holes before the siren sounded to suspend play because of fading light. McIlroy opened with two bogeys in his first six holes. Then he made three birdies in a four-hole span and was 2 under par when he had to leave the course. Thomas Pieters was leading on 5 under after also playing 15 holes.