Richard Sterne recorded a 10-under-par 62 to hold a one-shot advantage after the first round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The South African struck 10 birdies in a bogey-free round to edge out Scotland's Stephen Gallacher for the early lead.
Gallacher topped a productive day for Scotland as countrymen Scott Jamieson and Chris Doak lie two shots further adrift on seven-under-par.
Italy's Matteo Manassero and England's Paul Casey ended day one on six-under-par while Jamie Donaldson, who won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships two weeks ago, remained in contention on five-under-par.
