Playing partners Peter Hanson and Gonzalo Fdez-Castano set the scene for a low-scoring third round at the Qatar Masters after picking up three quick shots this morning at a bright but chilly Doha Golf Club.
Swede Hanson, who is currently sixth on the Race to Dubai, finished 10th in Abu Dhabi last week and moved into contention for a third top 10 finish of the young season after storming out of the blocks with birdies over his first three holes.
Spaniard Fdez-Castano joined Hanson at six-under-par overall after making an even more explosive start with an eagle at the first which was quickly followed by a birdie three holes later.
Scotland's Stephen Gallacher also moved onto six-under as he picked up three shots over his opening four holes.
Former champion Retief Goosen and Swede Niclas Fasth had earlier paved the way for low morning scores with a hat-trick of birdies to start their rounds but the duo could keep up with their quick starts.
Goosen, the 2007 Qatar champion, slipped back to four under with a bogey at the sixth, while Fasth handed all three shots back with a double-bogey and bogey in the later part of his front nine.
Halfway leader Louis Oosthuizen begins his bid for a maiden European Tour title from 12 under later this afternoon, with inaugural Qatar champion Andrew Coltart three shots adrift in second.
Yesterday Abu Dhabi runner-up Oosthuizen took control of the US
2.5million tournament with a flawless second-round seven-under-par 65, while joint first-round leader Coltart signed for a solid 69.
Young Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and Australia's Brett Rumford are in touching distance at eight under with Miguel Angel Jimenez a further shot off the pace.
Eagles RB Westbrook won’t practice, will start
COLTART HITS THE FRONT IN QATAR
