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The Northern Irishman looked confident in his golf clothing as he racked up eight birdies and a bogey to leave him on 64 going into the second round.
But it's not the first time McIlroy has started a tournament well. The challenge is now on for the two-time major winner to maintain his strong start after falling away on numerous occasions this year.
He needs to hold off the challenge of Sweden's Kristoffer Broberg, who shot 65 on Thursday only for McIlroy to go one better.
McIlroy has struggled to keep up his low scoring after some impressive starts this season, with a second-round average almost five shots worse than that in his opening rounds.
The 25-year-old believes it's been a psychological problem for him this season but seems to be in a positive state of mind now, saying he feels comfortable with his game at the present time.
Ricardo Gonzalez is also chasing the lead at six under, while McIlroy's fellow countryman Michael Hoy is two off the lead after shooting 66.
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