Ernie Els sets opening pace with 66

Tournament favourite Ernie Els fired a six-under-par 66 in the Dubai Desert Classic first round on Thursday to put himself on track for an unprecedented third title at the Emirates Golf Club.

World number three Els, who set the course record with a blistering 61 on his way to victory in 1994, reeled off six birdies in a blemish-free display in hot and breezy conditions.

The smooth-swinging South African could have signed off two strokes clear but missed an eagle putt from 12 feet at the last and had to settle for a birdie-birdie finish.

That left him one ahead of Ryder Cup players Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and David Howell of Britain.

"I had a bit of a rough start there and made some good par putts on the first two holes," Els, 35, told reporters. "Then I found my feet a little bit and played some solid golf.

"On the back nine, I was very aggressive and was hitting driver every hole. If I see a shot, I want to hit that shot and that's kind of what I did today.

"All in all, it was a good day's work and my game plan really worked out well," added the three-times major winner, who won for the second time in Dubai in 2002.

The pony-tailed Jimenez, winner of five European Tour titles last year, produced a flawless 67 to share second place with 1999 champion Howell, who birdied three of the last six holes.

"It's going to be difficult to match another season like that but, at the moment, I'm playing well and hitting it good," said the 41-year-old Jimenez, referring to his 2004 form.

"I'm feeling very comfortable on the golf course and, like a good wine, I seem to be getting better with age."

Australia's Jarrod Lyle, who qualified for the event only on a late sponsor's invitation, returned a 68 to tie for fourth with Britain's Sam Osborne, who bogeyed the last.

Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, the 2001 winner, was among a group of 10 on 69 while seven-times European number one Montgomerie, who is determined to book a place at next month's U.S. Masters with a high finish this week, was a further shot back.

"Seventy is okay. It's not a great start but it's a start all the same and it will be added to tomorrow with a 60-something," said Montgomerie, Dubai champion in 1996.

"The greens seem pure but they are quite grainy, so it's more difficult out there than imagined," added the Scot, who needs to climb another 13 spots in the world rankings by the end of this month to book his place at Augusta.

While Els, Jimenez and Howell thrived in the desert heat, defending champion Mark O'Meara of the United States could manage only a 73.

Ian Woosnam, Europe's new Ryder Cup captain after being appointed on his 47th birthday on Wednesday, also struggled. The Welshman returned a 74 to finish level with twice British Open champion Greg Norman and 2003 winner Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands.

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