Ernie Els abandoned the search for the perfect round and just went for it in the Middle East yesterday. The result was a six-under-par 66 and a one-stroke first-round lead over Ryder Cup pair David Howell and Miguel Angel Jimenez in the Dubai Desert Classic.

After missing out narrowly in the majors last year and failing to put the finishing touches to some great play at the start of this season, Els felt it was time for a chat with Belgian sports psychologist Jos Vanstiphout on his return from a three-week lay-off.

The world number three, the only player in the top 15 taking part in the event, said: "We get bogged down trying to play the perfect game, but I got back to basics.

"The game plan worked out really well. I know the course so well (he is seeking his third win on it and his 61 in 1994 still stands as the course record) and I was very aggressive on the back nine.

"I didn't hit many fairways, but I felt like I hit it solid and it was a good day's work. You want to play your game and I want to go with my first thought. It's normally the right thought.

"When I play well I see clearly what I want to do. You have to find a cure to playing well and not winning. I feel if I want to get to the next level I have to up it more."

The bogey-free round continued a remarkable run for the South African in European Tour events. He has not missed a cut since 1999 and in his last 35 starts has had 29 top 10 finishes.

The only player to skip last week's WGC World Matchplay in California, Els has no doubt it was the right thing for him to do.

Only 15 of the 150-strong field broke 70 this time, and Ireland's Paul McGinley will have been satisfied with his round of 70.

The Ryder Cup player was one shot better than Wexford's Damien McGrane. Fellow Irishmen Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie both shot three-over par 75s.

Howell was happy with his round after playing "absolutely dreadfully" in America the last three weeks.

Howell, third behind Els in Dubai last year, eagled the 549-yard 10th with a massive drive and six-iron, but was happy to par the 547-yard last after hooking a five-wood on top of the hospitality tent by the green.

"Worst shot of the year," he said.

Jimenez (41), had the best season of his career last year, winning five times and regaining a Ryder Cup spot.

Lighting up yet another big cigar following his flawless round, he said: "It's very difficult to imagine another season like that, but I'm like the good wines. Getting better with age."

Colin Montgomerie came in with a 70, defending champion Mark O'Meara a 73 and both new Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam and Greg Norman could do no better than 74.

Joint fourth are two players appearing in the event thanks to a sponsor's invitation - rookie professional Sam Osborne, from Wentworth, and Australian Jarrod Lyle, enjoying life to the full after being treated for leukaemia in 1999.

His namesake Sandy Lyle was four under after four, but then had a double-bogey seven on the 18th after driving into bushes.

With Woosnam and Nick Faldo being named on Wednesday as the next two Ryder Cup captains, the 46-year-old Scot doubts if he will ever be given the job now.

"I don't know why they have done two in one fell swoop - they have never done it before and there is a lot of water to flow under the bridge," said Lyle, who like Woosnam, lost out to Bernhard Langer last time.

"Basically that's it for me now, I think."