Oliver Fisher fired a 7-under 65 in Wednesday's opening round as he grabbed a 1-stroke lead at the Qatar Masters.
Fisher's lone European Tour win came at the 2011 Czech Open. In six previous starts at this event, Fisher missed the cut twice, including last year, and his best finish was a share of 11th in 2007.
Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello opened with a 6-under 66 at Doha Golf Club and he is alone in second place.
Ernie Els, the 2005 champion, started his round with three birdies in the first four holes. He later birdied the last for a 5-under 67. He was joined in third by two-time winner Paul Lawrie, 2003 champion Darren Fichardt, Branden Grace, Mark Foster, Moritz Lampert, Byeong-Hun An, Emiliano Grillo, Alexander Noren, Kristoffer Broberg and Alejandro Canizares, who shared fifth place last year.
Justin Rose is among eight players tied for 14th at minus-4, while defending champion Sergio Garcia opened with a 3-under 69.
World No. 2 Henrik Stenson, Alvaro Quiros and Robert Karlsson, all former champions, are among a large group tied 35th at minus-2.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
[SportsNetwork.com]
