Eugenio Chacarra seized the advantage over Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai with a stellar opening round at the DP World India Championship

Eugenio Chacarra has grabbed the initiative over Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai following an impressive opening round at the DP World India Championship.

The Spanish golfer has developed a special connection with India, securing his DP World Tour card last year through a triumph at the Indian Open just down the road at DLF Country Club, where he competed on a sponsor's invitation. He claimed second place this year while defending his title.

The ex-LIV Golf player has capitalised on his chances since then, claiming two victories this season and forcing his way into contention for the order of merit title alongside McIlroy and Reed.

Conditions proved challenging in the New Delhi smog, with an extended thunderstorm causing a five-hour delay. However, Chacarra, competing despite a broken toe, bounced back to card a five-under-par 67 and secure a share of second position, though half the field will return on Friday to finish their opening rounds.

He registered seven birdies and two bogeys, reports the Mirror US.

That resilient character is a major factor behind Luke Donald identifying the Madrid-born player as a prospective Ryder Cup representative, extending him an invitation to a reconnaissance visit at Adare Manor in September.

The 26 year old sits one stroke behind Denmark's Niklas Norgaard, positioning himself to compete for his third win of the season and potentially overtake Reed at the summit of the standings with three tournaments remaining. "I'm in a great position to battle with the best players in the world. That's what I dreamed of since I was little," Chacarra said.

"That's why we work every single day - to one day become one of them, and having Patrick and Rory playing for the same thing as me, winning the Race to Dubai, is something unique. I'm playing well, I'm feeling good, the toe is getting better, and I'm excited for the battle."

The Oklahoma-based golfer finds himself far from home, yet he's entirely comfortable in his surroundings. "I love the country, I love the people, I love the food," he remarked.

"I'm a big butter chicken and rice kind of guy."

Reed endured a frustrating afternoon, stuck in the later wave and forced to endure a tedious delay before teeing off. He managed to complete only four holes, dropping to two over par when play was suspended due to fading light, leaving him facing a demanding Friday to make up ground.

The 36 year old has topped the rankings for the majority of the campaign, but his advantage has diminished following a slump in performance, compounded by hand and shoulder problems sustained at Wentworth in September. His progress has ground to a halt.

McIlroy, sitting third in the Race to Dubai standings, managed to finish his opening round and posted a two-under-par 70.

He opted to leave his driver at the hotel after being unnerved by the tight layout during his inaugural visit 12 months earlier, and he played with precision and control apart from a lost ball on the par-four third, where he did admirably to limit the damage to a bogey, one of two shots dropped on the day.

The Northern Irishman will be keen to close the gap on Friday, though he recognises this isn't a layout where chances should be taken lightly.

The seven-time Race to Dubai champion would be satisfied with staying within touching distance of the leader when the playoffs commence in the UAE next month.

"Eugenio got off to a good start," McIlroy said. "I have to concentrate on myself. I know a good week here will set me up well for the last two weeks in the Middle East.

"My track record in the Middle East is really good. I don't need to be leading going into the last two weeks, but if I can just eat into that lead a little bit, I feel like I'll have a good chance going in those final two events."

Title holder Tommy Fleetwood dropped two shots on the final hole to card a two-under round, while Bob MacIntyre sits in a share of fifth position on four under. LIV Golf representatives Tom McKibbin and Thomas Detry are alongside Chacarra in joint second place at five under.