Hatton holds 5-shot lead at season-opener in Abu Dhabi

Tyrrell Hatton moved five shots ahe of Rory McIlroy on Friday in second round of season-opening Abu Dhabi Championship.

Englishman eagled second hole and later ded four consecutive birdies before play was halted because of fing light after his tee shot on 14th. He was at 12 under overall when play was stopped.

McIlroy, at 7 under through 14 holes, birdied first and third holes but double-bogeyed par-4 fifth to go with three or bogeys.

second round will restart Saturday morning with McIlroy and Romain Langasque tied for second with finishers Jason Scrivener (70) and Jazz Janewattanand (69).

Defending champion Lee Westwood is nine strokes off le. Like McIlroy, he has four holes to play in second round.

Hatton's only blemish was a bogey on third hole.

Justin Thomas is 11 strokes behind in his first event since Ralph Lauren ended its sponsorship deal with him following a homophobic slur he muttered to himself after missing a putt in recent Sentry Tournament of Champions.

Abu Dhabi Championship begins a run of three events in “Gulf Swing” — Dubai Desert Classic and Saudi International come next.