Spain's Alejandro Canizares has recorded an opening-round 66 to lead the DP World Tour Championship by one shot in Dubai.
The world number 184 hit seven birdies in a excellent display in the United Arab Emirates to open up a slender advantage over Marcus Fraser and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
Race to Dubai leader Henrik Stenson got his tournament off to a promising start by recording a round of 68 as he looks to follow up his triumph in the Fedex Cup with another big-money success on the European Tour.
The Swede is joined in fourth place by Jamie Donaldson and Rafael Cabrera-Bello, with Ian Poulter a shot further adrift on three-under-par.
Justin Rose ended the first round on two-under, while Rory McIlroy endured a mixed day on Thursday to finish with a score of 71.
Darren Plant
