KEY POINTS:
World number eight Retief Goosen fired a seven-under-par 65 to open a one-stroke lead over Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez and Nick O'Hern of Australia in the Qatar Masters first round in Doha today.
India's Shiv Kapur was another stroke further adrift on 67 while sharing fifth spot on 68 were Briton Nick Dougherty, Richard Green of Australia, American Edward Michaels and holder Henrik Stenson of Sweden.
There were solid opening rounds for New Zealanders Michael Campbell and Mahal Pearce, who both shot two-under 70 to be in a tie for 19th.
Two bogeys early in his back nine cost Campbell, who shot four birdies while Pearce managed three birdies.
It was the first time in five rounds that Campbell has managed 70 or better on the desert fringe course.
"It is my lowest round here and that's something that (coach) Jonathon Yarwood and I talked about and that's improving my stats so the year has begun on a positive note and I can't complain too much," Campbell said.
"My new caddy, Anthony Knight was great and fitted into the role of co-pilot very well so I am pleased with that aspect.
"But it's a good start and I can build on that."
Richard Lee, the only other New Zealander in the 120-player field, carded a 79 that included five bogeys and a pair of double bogeys.
Goosen entertained hopes of beating the course record of 63 after carding his third successive birdie at the 13th to go to six-under.
"I thought there was a pretty good chance of getting myself to 10-under...but when I missed out on birdies at the 14th and 15th I was just looking to shoot as low as I could," the South African said.
Goosen, who finished joint fifth in last week's European Tour event in Abu Dhabi, feels as though his form should be better.
"My game is not quite as good as it should be," said the twice former US Open champion.
"Hopefully this year I can start getting some good tournaments under my belt again and get myself back into that top three or so in the world rankings."
The 43-year-old Jimenez also did well last week, finishing joint second behind Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey.
The highlight of the Spaniard's opening round in Qatar was an eagle at the 307-yard 16th, his seventh hole, where his drive came to rest on the edge of the green and he sank a 25-foot putt for a two.
World number five Ernie Els began his campaign with a 69 while Spain's Sergio Garcia had a 70.
- REUTERS
