McIlroy, Reed level in Dubai

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed produced big first-round finishes at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday in what could lead to an intriguing showdown as the competition heads to a Monday conclusion. LIV Golf series players Richard Bland and Ian Poulter were tied atop the leaderboard at 8 under when second-round play was suspended Friday because of fading light. McIlroy and Reed, another LIV golfer, were in the news after some pre-tournament friction between two of golf’s high-profile players, and both completed their rounds at 6-under 66.