Three-way tie at Qatar Masters

DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Three players shot 6-under-par 66 Thursday and share the lead after the first 18 holes at the European Tour's Qatar Masters in Doha.

The trio is Andrew Coltart of Scotland, Sweden's Henrik Stenson, and Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez.

They have a slim one-stroke lead over five players -- Lee Westwood, Robert Dinwiddie, Anders Hansen, Louis Oosthuizen and Brett Rumford -- heading into Friday's second round.

Stenson won this event in 2006, captured the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic, and has been the runner-up twice in Qatar, including last year to Adam Scott.

Thursday, Stenson was safely in the clubhouse after an early tee time.

"I maybe didn't play my best, but I took my chances and I was putting really well," he said.

Coltart, like Stenson, began his round on the back nine, and his lone hiccup was a three-putt bogey at the sixth hole.

Jimenez finished his round with two birdies and seven pars on the back nine.