Inaugural Qatar Masters champion Andrew Coltart fired himself into contention with a fine six under par-66 to share the lead with two others in the 12th edition of the event.
Coltart, who won the title in 1998 when the Qatar Masters was launched on the European Tour and who had been struggling for the past few years, shot five birdies and an eagle to set himself up nicely for the remainder of the tournament.
'The highlight of the day for me was the eagle on hole 16,' said the Scot. 'It was into the wind, but I managed it.'
The Scot last year lost his European Tour card for the first time since joining the Tour in 1994 but in November carried his own clubs at the Tour's Q-School and won back full Race to Dubai membership.
'It was a difficult time for me,' said Coltart of his struggles. 'Hopefully I can carry my form into the remaining rounds.'
Coltart shares the lead with former winner Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, while England's Lee Westwoood and Robert Dinwiddie, Sweden's Anders Hansen, South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen and Australia's Brett Rumford shot 67s are in second spot.
Australia's Aaron Baddeley, England's Paul Broadhurst and Nick Dougherty, Swedes Robert Karlsson and Jarmo Sandelin and the Netherlands' Maarten Lafeber are in joint third spot after shooting 68s.
Damien McGrane heads up the Irish challenge on three-under par with Gary Murphy two shots further back. Paul McGinley and Rory McIlroy both endured disappointing rounds, and both sit on four-over par.
