World No. 1 Rory McIlroy drew first blood in his 2013 new season rivalry with Tiger Woods.

Both players managed pars at their opening two holes on day one of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship before the 23-year old McIlroy holed a 14-foot birdie at the par four, 13th hole they are playing as their fourth.

It proved to be a two shot hole in McIlroy’s favour as Woods walked off with a bogey.

The birdie put McIlroy into a then share of the lead with Martin Kaymer who is competing alongside the game’s best two world ranked players.

The German, and winner in Abu Dhabi on three occasions, upstaged both McIlroy and Woods with a birdie at the 11th hole.

European Tour CEO, George O’Grady welcomes Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Martin Kaymer to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)