Aggressive Els takes early lead in Dubai Desert Classic

The man known as the Big Easy was far from laid back as he put the foot down on the back nine to power to the top of the leader board one shot ahead of Ryder Cup stars David Howell and Miguel Angel Jimenez on 67 (-5). One shot further adrift in the Dubai Aluminium-sponsored event are Aussie Jarrod Lyle and English newcomer and surprise package Sam Osborne on 68 (-4).

"It's definitely a good day's work for a 66," said 35-year-old Els after a round that included six birdies and no dropped shots. "I had a bit of a rough start and had to make good putts just to get par on the opening two holes. Making those two putts made me feel good and I started to find my feet. After that I had a pretty aggressive back nine and although I didn't hit many fairways I got some good lies."

Tricky lies proved no obstacle for Els and there's now an ominous look about the leader board as the world number three chases a unique hat-trick of Desert Classic titles in the US$2.2 million tournament. Despite enjoying a three-week lay-off, Els appeared to show no signs of rustiness as he got down to business over the 7,264-yard Majlis Course.

"I know this golf course very well," added the man who holds the course record of 61. "But let's just see what happens tomorrow."

While Els is a familiar name at the sharp end of PGA European Tour events, the name of Jarrod Lyle may be slightly more unfamiliar. But great things are predicted for the talented 23-year-old from Shepparton near Old Victoria who only turned professional last November.

"Emirates gave me an invite to the tournament, and hopefully I'm doing a good enough job to warrant my invitation," smiled the young Australian who has bounced back brilliantly after being diagnosed with leukaemia at just 17. "For a good 18 months, I didn't play any golf. I just didn't have the energy. That's part of my life that is never going to leave me - I had a lot of good things happen because of it and I suppose this is one of them. I'm just living life at the moment, taking one day at a time and just enjoying everything."

Lyle's enjoyment of his first competitive round at the Majlis was marred by just one bogey on the eighth - his 17th - but his five birdies saw him end the day just two shots behind the leader.

But while Lyle may be one for the future, one man currently at the peak of his powers is Spain's Juan Angel Jiminez. A 67 yesterday (Thursday) maintains the Spanish senor's rich vein of form that saw him win five times in 2004 and finish fourth on the European Tour Order of Merit.

"I am like the good wines, getting better with the age," said Jimenez. "I don't know, probably it's the mentality. I've had many chances to win this tournament and at the moment, I'm playing well. I'm feeling good and five-under par is a nice start. There's still a long way to go win - so you just be yourself, play your golf and enjoy yourself at the moment."

For local hopes Yasin Ali and Andrew Whitelaw it was a day of contrasting fortunes with Nad Al Sheba pro Ali shooting a 71 (-1) - including a stunning hole-in-one on the seventh worth Dh100,000 from Emirates Airline - while Emirates Golf Club Director of Golf Whitelaw posted a disappointing 83 (+11).
Els 3

Other opening rounds of note included a 69 (-3) for 2001 champion Thomas Bjorn and Nick Dougherty, while Ben Curtis, Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood all shot 70 (-2). Defending champion Mark O'Meara had to settle for a 73 (+1) and Greg Norman a 74 (+2). Bahraini amateur Nasser Yacoob Ali shot an opening 77 (+5).

Besides Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) as the main sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic, CNN International, Arabian Ranches by Emaar, Nakheel, and Samsung as co-sponsors, other sponsors include: Emirates as official airline and Hole In One Sponsor; official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa; Official Bank National Bank of Dubai; official courtesy car BMW; and event newspaper Gulf News.

Leading scores after round one:
66 (-6) Els (SA)
67 (-5) Jimenez (Spa), Howell (Eng)
68 (-4) Lyle (Aus), Osborne (Eng)
69 (-3) Hedblom (Swe), Karlsson (Swe), Bjorn (Den), Schwartzel (SA), Stenson (Swe), Dougherty (Eng), Fulke (Swe), Fowler (Aus), Kingston (SA), Marshall (Eng).