Archer shot a nine-under 63 on Thursday to lead by three

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
(GB&I unless stated):
-9 P Archer
-6 N Dougherty, R Goosen (SA), H Stenson (Swe)
Selected others:
-5 P Lawrie
-4 O Fisher, S Garcia (Spa), P Harrington (Ire)

England's Phillip Archer holds a three-stroke lead after the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Archer had 10 birdies and one bogey as he blazed his way to a nine-under 63.

South African Retief Goosen, England's Nick Dougherty and Henrik Stenson of Sweden are tied for second, three shots off the pace, after shooting 66s.

Paul Lawrie is among the group on five under, Sergio Garcia, England's Oliver Fisher and Padraig Harrington all had 68s and Colin Montgomerie carded a 69.

Dougherty did not drop a shot during his round and picked up six birdies in all.

"I played relatively well," he said. "I was quite consistent and my iron play was relatively good.

"I was hitting a lot of greens and when you're doing that it is pretty easy."