McIlroy Tied for Lead at Augusta as DeChambeau Struggles

Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, has taken an early lead at The Masters, tied with Sam Burns at five under par. McIlroy's strong start included five birdies in an eight-hole stretch, despite a slow beginning to his round. He is now in contention to become the first back-to-back winner at The Masters since Tiger Woods. Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler are also in the running, while Bryson DeChambeau had a disappointing start with a four-over 76. McIlroy's momentum shifted with successive birdies, helping him reach the turn in 34 and eventually pulling level with Burns. He avoided a repeat of last year's expensive finish and equalled the second-lowest opening round by a defending champion.