A late flurry of birdies on the back nine holes gave Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger the lead at the end of the Dubai Desert Classic first round. Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Two-time defending champion Stephen Gallacher all finished in the top-10.
McIlroy declared himself satisfied with his day's work after an opening 66 left him one shot off the lead midway through the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
The world number one has finished second in his last three events and was returning to the scene of his first professional win six years ago, where he has secured four consecutive top-10 finishes.
The lack of wind led to some low scoring around Emirates Golf Club and McIlroy even admitted he would like a little bit more of a challenge.
Nicolas Colsaerts also started on the back nine and, like McIlroy, a bogey on the ninth was the only blot on his card in an opening 65.
A hat-trick of birdies from 11 to 13 and two more on 15 and 18 saw him set a blistering pace and further birdies followed on one, three and seven before his disappointing finish.
Sullivan claimed his first European Tour title at the South African Open earlier this year and was in winning form again as he recorded five birdies and an eagle on the 18th to share the lead.
The likeable 28-year-old was playing alongside McIlroy and Martin Kaymer and, while he looked perfectly at home in such company, he admitted to being a little overawed.
Fellow Englishman Westwood has 22 more Tour wins than Sullivan and finished with two birdies in a flawless 65 to join his compatriot in the clubhouse with the lead.
Two-time defending champion Stephen Gallacher was alongside McIlroy on six under with the Ryder Cup duo being joined by German Maximilian Kieffer.
Wiesberger's run of birdies came to an end with a par on 18 that allowed him to sign for an opening 64 and the clubhouse lead with Uihlein still having two holes to play.
Uihlein then bogeyed 17 after his approach went right of the green and he left a chip short, with a par on 18 meaning that Weisberger held the lead on his own at the end of the first round.
