Reed and McIlroy beat Dubai floods to stay on course for perfect Teegate finale

• American one behind leader Pieters after shortened day one
• Reed: You are all blowing up Teegate way bigger than it really is'

The money-can't-buy scenario for organisers of a disrupted Dubai Desert Classic involves Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, fresh from Teegate, side by side in a weekend group. Reed, having played a key role in early week theatre, now has eyes fixed firmly on the prize. McIlroy is a Dubai specialist.

Reed's propensity to block out background noise is nothing new. It was perhaps no surprise, then, to see the former Masters champion race to four under par and within one shot of the lead before time was called on day one at the Emirates Club. Once you get inside the ropes, you put the blinders on and go play golf," said Reed with a shrug.