Rory McIlroy rode his luck and the punishing Shamal wind Thursday to get his bid at creating Dubai Desert Classic history off to a storming start. The 20-year-old Ulsterman started off “ropey” in his own words in the blustery, sand-swept conditions and then looked to Lady Luck to steady his dhow before producing four birdies on the back nine for a four-under 68. That left him in a six-way tie for the lead alongside Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, Alexander Noren of Sweden, Jeev-Milkha Singh of India, Edoardo Molinari of Italy and Welshman Stephen Dodd. McIlroy bogeyed the short, par-four second after slamming his drive way left onto the adjacent golf course and he was facing another dropped shot on the next hole after overhitting his putt from 35 feet away. The in-form Schwartzel, who leads the Race to Dubai after winning back-to-back titles home in South Africa last month, said after posting his 68 earlier in the day that it was the toughest conditions he had seen here since he first came in 2003. One shot off the pace on 69 were a quintet comprising England's Paul Casey, Australian Richard Green, Anders Hansen of Denmark, Alvaro Quiros of Spain and Italian amateur Matteo Manassero. Last week's winner in Qatar, Robert Karlsson of Sweden, carded a 70 and there was a good start also from in-form German Martin Kaymer. The 2007 European Tour Rookie of the Year, looking to build on his win two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi, fired four birdies against just one bogey to stand at three under with just one to play. But a double-bogey six at the last meant he had to settle for a one-under round of 71. European No. 1 and world No. 4 Lee Westwood had a frustrating start with a level par 72 that included four birdies and four bogeys while playing partner Henrik Stenson of Sweden, the winner here in 2007, continued to struggle for form coming in with a four-over 76. Pavin tabs four of assistants US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin Wednesday named four assistants for the biennial match play showdown with Europe, to be played at Celtic Manor in Wales in October. Pavin selected former captain Tom Lehman, Davis Love, Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos - who said his only prior Ryder Cup experience was watching it on television. Pavin said bringing in a Ryder Cup newcomer, especially one well respected in the locker room, had advantages. European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie says he will not name his assistants for the event until after the British Open in July.
