Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland missed the cut and Rory McIlroy was forced to battle to make the weekend as the headline acts struggled at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Three-time DP World Tour victor Ewen Ferguson the halfway leader in Dubai after remarkable final hole; defending champion Rory McIlroy nine adrift; watch the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf,

If Rory McIlroy is to emulate the history of the likes of Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo, he will have to repeat his own history here at the Desert Classic.

Tom McKibben, who was warned by Rory McIlroy against joining the LIV Tour this week, is in contention at the Dubai Desert Classic, heading into the weekend's action.

Rory McIlroy believes he still has a "decent chance" of defending his Hero Dubai Desert Classic crown despite being eight shots behind leader Ewen Ferguson.

PGA Tour player Grayson Murray took his own life, hours after withdrawing from a tournament in Texas. The incident shook the sport, highlighting the mental health challenges facing some of the world’s top players.

Relive the best shots and biggest moments from Round 1 action at the DP World Tour's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place at Emirates Golf Club.

Thursday's opening round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic delivered an unexpected twist when a trio of underdogs stole the spotlight from marquee names like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm to soar to the summit of the leaderboard after 18 holes.