Fisher missed the cut in his last event in Abu Dhabi

FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD
(GB & Ire unless stated):
-7 G McDowell, R Fisher
-6 E Els (SA), J Randhawa (Ind), J-M Lara (Spa)
-5 MA Jiminez (Spa), P Price, S Dyson, T Jaidee (Tha)
Selected others:
-4 L Westwood, D Clarke, T Woods (US)
-2 P Casey, G Norman (Aus)
+1 C Montgomerie

English golfer Ross Fisher and Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell upstaged the bigger names to lead the Dubai Desert Classic after the opening round.

The pair shot seven-under-par 65s to lie a stroke ahead of Jyoti Randhawa of India, Jose Manuel Lara of Spain and three-time champion Ernie Els.

McDowell came home in 31 with an eagle and four birdies while Fisher's round included eight birdies and a bogey.

Defending champion Tiger Woods had five birdies in his four-under 68.

Els suffered a shaky start but bounced back with an eagle at the par-four 12th and then had six birdies in nine holes for a 66.

I just didn't putt that well today. I couldn't strike the ball on line Tiger Woods

"It could have been a little bit better here and there but I am in the clubhouse at six under and I can look forward to the next few rounds," said the South African.

"I would take four of those rounds here. That would be okay."

Colin Montgomerie had a one-over 73 after his outward nine of 39 contained a double bogey and two other dropped shots.

606 DEBATE: Who will win in Dubai?

Fisher missed the cut in his last tournament in Abu Dhabi a fortnight ago and attributed his improvement to the practice he has put in since then back in England.

"From the moment I got here, I really felt comfortable," said the 26-year-old.

"(In England) I played four times in what was quite awful weather, but just managed to get a lot of things done and take in a lot of positives."

Woods, who won his seventh straight USPGA event in California on Sunday, said his round was "frustrating".