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Rose into early Masters lead

06/04/2007

England's Justin Rose shares the lead after the first round of the US Masters shooting a three-under 69.

Rose had a superb mistake-free round – an incredible feat considering the reputation of the Masters as a difficult course. He picked up two birdies on the front nine and another at the 14th hole.

American Brett Wetterich joins Rose at three-under with David Howell one shot further back, while American David Toms is also two-under after his round.

There is a large clutch of dangerous-looking contenders lurking within striking distance on one-under.

Last year's runner-up Tim Clark is in the tie for third having carded his 71 along with a strong set of American Ryder Cup stars including Vaughn Taylor and Zach Johnson.

Tiger Woods saw his chances of a strong opening round fade in the final holes after picking up bogies at the 17th and 18th greens to finish one-over-par for the round.

Joining him on one-over was England's Luke Donald who had an inconsistent first day, making three birdies and four bogies.

Phil Mickelson's hopes of defending his title already seem remote after he racked up a four-over 76.

Several European hopefuls also seem to have left themselves too much to do as Lee Westwood found himself way off the pace at seven-over and Darren Clarke hacked his way round in an 11-over 83.

The in-form Henrik Stenson is usefully-placed on level par after a solid first 18 holes, however.

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