Karlsson sets the pace in Doha

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson defied the weather to card a four-under-par opening round at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters today to open up a two-shot lead midway through a first windswept day in Doha.

Former European number one Karlsson, who endured a disrupted 2009 following eye problems, hit every green in regulation with one only dropped shot to his name for a 68 despite high winds and thick rough limiting scoring at Doha Golf Club.