Hampshire’s Justin Rose is tied for the lead in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after posting a five-under-par 67 in his first round.

In a field featuring the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, it is Rose who tops the leaderboard, along with Welsh ace Jamie Donaldson.

“It’s the perfect start to get up on the leaderboard,” the 32-year-old said, after a day in extremely strong winds.

“I knew it was going to be a tough afternoon and I felt very good about that score.”

Stoneham’s Richard Bland also enjoyed a good opening day, finishing on level-par.

That put him in a tie for 32nd, level with Woods and three ahead of world number one McIlroy.