Holder McIlroy five behind after opening Dubai 70

Defending champion Rory McIlroy "scrambled" his way to an opening two-under-par 70 on the opening day of the Dubai Desert Classic which left him five off the early pace.

The world number three, aiming for a third successive victory in the event, confessed that his play had been "scrappy" as a chip-in for birdie on his 16th hole, the seventh, helped him fight back from being one-over par after eight.

"[It was my] First competitive round of the year and first competitive round in a while. A little uncomfortable over some shots," McIlroy told Sky Sports.

"[But] I got it around today and got it in a couple under which is nice. I didn't put myself out of the tournament which is the main thing."

Adding that he had done a "good job of scrambling" with a number of up-and-downs from off the green, McIlroy admitted that his chip-in had been "a bonus".

"But I don't want to have to rely on my short game for the rest of the week," added the four-time major winner.

McIlroy was joined in a large group on 70 by Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington, with Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia and Australia's David Micheluzzi, who occupy 405th and 225th spots in the world rankings, the early clubhouse leaders after rounds of 65.

McKibbin's next competitive appearance is expected to be the first event of this year's LIV Golf circuit in Riyadh with the 22-year-old Northern Irishman being strongly linked with a switch to the Saudi-backed tour.

McIlroy, who has been something of a mentor to McKibbin, said on Wednesday that he would be "personally a little bit disappointed" if the 2023 European Open champion does indeed commit to LIV Golf while adding that he was entitled "to make his own decisions".

McKibbin, who also started at the 10th, was only three off the lead after 14 holes following four birdies but a double bogey six at the sixth halted his momentum.