DUBAI, March 3: Ernie Els put himself on track for an unprecedented third Dubai Desert Classic title, firing a six-under-par 66 for a one-shot lead after Thursday's opening round.

World number three Els, who set the course record with a blistering 61 on his way to victory in 1994, reeled off six birdies in a blemish-free display at the Emirates Golf Club.

However, the smooth-swinging South African missed an eagle putt from 10 feet at the last and had to settle for a one-stroke advantage over Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and Britain's David Howell.

The pony-tailed Jimenez, winner of five European Tour titles last year, also produced a flawless round while fellow Ryder Cup player Howell birdied three of the last six holes to draw level at five under.

Australia's Jarrod Lyle, who qualified for the event only on a late sponsor's invitation, carded a 68 while 2001 winner Thomas Bjorn of Denmark was among a group of eight on 69.

Seven-times European number one Montgomerie, Dubai champion in 1996 and determined to book his place at next month's U.S. Masters with a high finish this week, fired a 70 to end up a further shot back.

While Els, Jimenez and Howell thrived in the desert heat, defending champion Mark O'Meara of the United States could manage only a 73. Ian Woosnam, Europe's new Ryder Cup captain after being appointed on his 47th birthday on Wednesday, also struggled. The Welshman returned a 74 to finish level with twice British Open champion Greg Norman.

FIRST ROUND SCORES:

66 - Ernie Els

67 - Miguel Angel Jimenez, David Howell

68 - Jarrod Lyle, Sam Osborne

69 - Robert Karlsson, James Kingston, Charl Schwartzel, Thomas Bjorn, Andrew Marshall, Henrik Stenson, Nick Dougherty, Peter Hedblom, Pierre Fulke, Peter Fowler.

70 - Kenneth Ferrie, Marten Olander, David MacKenzie, Stephen Scahill, Peter Hanson, Gregory Havret, Ben Curtis, Joakim Haeggman, Colin Montgomerie, Anders Hansen, Alastair Forsyth, Toru Taniguchi, Lee Westwood, Paul McGinley, Stephen Dodd , Maarten Lafeber, Soren Kjeldsen, Darren Fichardt, Steven O'Hara, Paul Sheehan, Anthony Wall, Patrik Sjoland, Richard Finch, Bradley Dredge, Jamie Donaldson. -Agencies