Stenson hits the top in Doha

Former champion Henrik Stenson bounced back from missing the cut last week to card an opening six-under-par 66 and open up a one-stroke lead at the Qatar Masters.

Dubai resident Stenson, who was runner-up last year following his 2006 triumph at Doha Golf Club, picked up four shots in eight holes around the turn to make his move before finishing with back-to-back birdies.

Ryder Cup team-mate Lee Westwood signed for a bogey-free 67 alongside Dane Anders Hansen.

South African Louis Oosthuizen, runner-up in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, and Australia’s Brett Rumford were also five under and a shot clear of Aaron Baddeley, Robert Karlsson and Jarmo Sandelin.

Another former champion, Retief Goosen, was five-under after 13 holes but recorded back-to-back bogeys and was forced to settle for a three-under 69 alongside Oliver Wilson and early pacesetter Peter Hedblom.

“I maybe didn’t play my best but I took my chances and I was putting really well. It comes down to the putting and I made some good 10-15 footers,” said Stenson.

“It wasn’t the start I hoped for last week but there are always going to be a couple of bad ones in a season and obviously I am happy to be in this position and going forward.

“It’s a course I really enjoy playing. I think it’s the ninth time coming to Qatar so I have a fair idea how to play the course.” he said.