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The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship got the rebranded DP World Tour 2022 season up and running in the UAE on Thursday
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There were plenty of big names in town for the tournament, including Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Lee Westwood
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It was not a great day for four-time major winner McIlroy, who had to settle for a level-par 72, nine strokes of the lead
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Scotland's Scott Jamieson led the way with a blemish-free 63 at Yas Links
Image Credit: DP World Tour
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Dubai-based Rafa Cabrera Bello dazzled in a pink number in the UAE capital
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Defending champion Hatton ensured he stayed in the hunt with a 66
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Westwood, who won here in 2019, had to settle for a one-under 71
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There is a strong US contingent in Abu Dhabi, but Sean Crocker could only manage a 74
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And reigning Open championship and DP World Tour champion Collin Morikawa could only muster a one-over 73
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France's Victor Perez was just off the lead after his 66 put him alongside Hatton
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England's Ian Poulter is in a tie for fourth on six-under
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So is Takumi Kanaya, who eagled two of the first six holes
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Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington carded a level-par 72
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The terrain can get a little tough if you stray off course at Yas Links
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But it is a long competition, and there is still all to play for before we discover the champion on Sunday
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