Ernie Els continued where he left off last weekend in the early stages of today's first round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Having claimed his first victory on the USPGA Tour for more than 18 months at the weekend, the South African started the week as favourite to claim his second Desert Classic title at the Emirates Club.
On the 10th, Els's third shot to the par five stopped just short of the pin to set up an easy birdie, and he then saved par on the next from a greenside bunker. Another birdie on the par-five 13th followed and at two-under, Els was just one shot off the lead.
Holland's Rolf Muntz, England's Barry Lane and Ryder Cup Swede Niclas Fasth were all three under par, but Els was part of a large chasing pack.
Nick Faldo, who missed the cut in Malaysia last week after three top-10 finishes in a row, had also picked up two early birdies playing alongside Fasth, and Justin Rose was also two under after nine holes.
England's Warren Bennett had started with a bogey six, but then rolled in a hat-trick of birdies to join the chasing pack.
But Ireland’s Darren Clarke had dropped back to level par with two bogeys coming after he had eagled the 13th.