Karlsson & Bjorn share opening honours

Robert Karlsson and defending champion Thomas Bjorn share the lead after the first day of the Dubai Desert Classic after both firing 67.

The pair are a shot clear of five players, including the European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance and Ernie Els.

Among the field’s other big names, Colin Montgomerie finished on 1-under par after a 71, and Nick Faldo level par after a 72.

Karlsson was one of the early starters, and the Swede was the clubhouse leader for much of the day.

Three birdies on the front nine, and just one bogey on the eighth, gave him the platform for his effort.

Further birdies at the short 11th and 13th took Karlsson to 4-under par, and after bogeying the 16th bounced back in perfect fashion to eagle the long 18th hole.

Bjorn joined Karlsson on the 5-under par mark late in the day, after a round featuring five birdies and no dropped shots.

Both men will be looking nervously over the shoulders at Els, after the former US Open champion compiled a first round 68.

Alongside Els on 4-under par are Torrance, Olle Karlsson, another Swede Niclas Fasth and the Korean Charlie Wi.

The Britons Mark Mouland and Paul Broadhurst are among six players a shot further back on 3-under par.

Two birdies in the last four holes were the highlight of Montgomerie’s round.

Faldo dropped two shots on the back nine to finish on level par, with Darren Clarke and Justin Rose among a number of players also on that mark.

Ian Woosnam made 73 to finish on 1-over par, with Seve Ballesteros on 4-over par after struggling to a 76.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page