Justin Rose has declared himself happy with his opening-round score at the Qatar Masters, claiming that he is starting to build some momentum.

The 34-year-old, who is making his 250th European Tour appearance, carded four-under 68 earlier today to finish three shots off early leader Oliver Fisher.

Having made a positive start to the tournament, Rose is now hoping to push on in the coming days.

"It's nice to be somewhere in contention and it's a score on which to build for the rest of the week," the world number five is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "It's the perfect type of start really.

"I didn't do a ton of work over the Christmas period so paid for that early last week, but I'm beginning now to find my momentum, find my feels and am beginning to hit the ball a bit better round by round.

"I haven't really made a putt yet, although I'm stroking the ball quite well so I've just got to be patient with that side of my game. My short game feels sharp which is good - no doubt the long game will come around."

Fellow Englishman Mark Foster is one shot off the pace sitting on five-under 67.