ABU DHABI CH'SHIP RELATED STORIES Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Home Page Abu Dhabi Championship Preview Round 1: Archer opens three shot advantage Round 2: Phillip Prices edges ahead at halfway Round 3: Padraig Harrington edges ahead Round 4: Casey snatches title with closing 65 Course Guide: Abu Dhabi Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Scores 2006 European Tour Schedule Star-studded field for 2007 edition Golf - and much more - in Abu Dhabi GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Greg Norman struggles at Troon Ochoa leads with flawless 65 Mike Weir amongst leaders Four share lead in Russia Padraig Harrington hungry for more success Michelle Wie to play on PGA Tour again

Phillip Archer opens three shot advantage

Phillip Archer shot a 9-under 63 on Thursday to take a three-stroke lead in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The Englishman, who had 10 birdies and a bogey, was one shot off the course record at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. He had two birdie putts from 30 feet.

"When I was on the greens yesterday, I just knew that I was going to putt decent," Archer said. "And then I made a 15-footer for birdie on the opening hole today, and I just had the confidence that I could hole everything."

Henrik Stenson, who was the runner-up last year, was tied for second place at 6-under with Retief Goosen and Nick Dougherty.

"I played relatively well. I was consistent," Dougherty said. "I hit a lot of greens today and when you are doing that, it's pretty easy."

Stenson reached the course only 45 minutes before his tee time after a minor car accident.

Goosen completed his round with just 21 putts.

"Ball-striking wise, it was not very good," Goosen said. "But I putted really well today. Making just 21 putts will always help your score."

Paul Lawrie, Gary Emerson and Richard Green shot 67s, while Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia were among those tied for eighth at 4-under 68.

Defending champion Chris DiMarco started with a 3-under 69 and was tied for 18th with Colin Montgomerie.