Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: Paul Waring storms into lead with course record 61 at Yas Links

Paul Waring storms into a three-shot lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a stunning course-record equalling 61 at Yas Links on Thursday.

The Englishman made a flying start to the tournament with six birdies in his first 10 holes and picked up three more shots on the back nine to set the early pace in the Rolex Series event.

Waring's 61 is the lowest round of his European Tour career and equals the course record set by Robert Karlsson in 2010.

The 33-year-old is now three shots clear of his nearest challengers, Thomas Detry of Belgium and South Africa's Justin Harding, who both carded rounds of 64.

Waring is looking to become the first English winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship since Tommy Fleetwood in 2017.

He will take a commanding lead into the second round, but knows that he will need to continue to play well to hold off the chasing pack.

"I'm very pleased with that," said Waring. "I played really solidly all day. I hit a lot of fairways and greens and holed a few putts. It was a good day."

Waring admitted that he was surprised to shoot such a low score on a course that is known for being tough.

"I didn't expect to shoot 61 out here," he said. "It's a tough course, but I managed to find a few birdies and I'm really pleased with my round."

Waring will be hoping to continue his good form in the second round and maintain his lead at the top of the leaderboard.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is the first event of the 2023 Rolex Series, which is a series of eight tournaments that offer increased prize money and world ranking points.

The tournament is being held at Yas Links, which is a challenging par-72 course that has hosted the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship since 2006.

The field for the tournament includes some of the world's best players, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa.