Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello began the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters with a six under par 66 to set the clubhouse target at Doha Golf Club.
The 30 year old, third here in 2011 and 2014, produced six birdies in his flawless round – the best of which came when his excellent tee shot at the eighth finished a couple of feet from the pin.
At six under he led by one from compatriot Alejandro Cañizares, England’s Mark Foster, South African Branden Grace and German Moritz Lampert.
“I’m very pleased and happy with the way I played, and looking forward to tomorrow and the weekend,” said two-time European Tour winner Cabrera-Bello.
“I had a good stretch through 16, and all the way through to two, which for me are the birdie holes where you can go low. I managed to do that with three birdies there, and just kept playing solid till I got home.”
World Number Five Justin Rose carded a four under par 68 to sit alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Stephen Gallacher, former amateur star Matt Fitzpatrick, Ireland’s Damien McGrane and Scotland’s Scott Jamieson in a share of sixth.
“They kind of made us feel like there's a score to be had out there,” said former US Open winner Rose. “I couldn't really buy a putt coming in, but all in all happy with the round.
“It’s nice to be somewhere in contention and it's a score on which to build for the rest of the week; it's the perfect type of start really.”
Defending champion Sergio Garcia, four-time Major winner Ernie Els and World Number Two Henrik Stenson were among the later starters.
