Sorenstam reached the turn in 32 at the Emirates Golf Club

R1 LEADERBOARD:
-7 A Sorenstam (Swe)
-5 N Omata (Jpn)
-4 B Hauert (Ger), K Taylor (Eng), K Matharu (Eng), S Sandolo (Ita)

World number one Annika Sorenstam set a new course record to lead the Dubai Ladies' Masters after the first round.

The Swede hit seven birdies in a 65 that put her two shots clear of Japan's Namika Omata at the season-ending event on the women's European Tour.

It was also a good day for English 17-year-old Kiran Matharu, whose four-under 68, which included an eagle, gave her a share of third place.

Also among the four tied for third is fellow English golfer Kirsty Taylor.

The only blot in Taylor's round was a bogey at the 14th, which she three-putted.

It was Matharu's best round since turning professional in August.

"I played really steady. It's the first time I've shot in the 60s as a professional and this is such a great field out here this week. It's a near perfect start," said the teenager.

Sorenstam, who has won four titles this season, put her record score down to the quality of her putting.

"I made two huge putts for birdies in the first six holes and just had 28 putts in all and that was the key," she said.