GLASGOW exile Simon Yates was sitting five shots off the pace after the opening round of the Asian Tour's inaugural Dubai Open.
Yates, who has been based in the Far East for 20 years and is one of the leading money earners on the Asian circuit with two wins to his name, began the final event before the Christmas break with a one-under 71.
That left Yates, who birdied three of his last six holes, trailing behind early frontrunner Kalem Richardson.
The Australian rookie hit a six-under 66 to lead by one from a chasing pack which includes English duo Craig Hinton and Chris Cannon.
Richardson, 26, decided against a practice round in the build up, preferring instead to recharge his batteries.
He said: I've been a bit tired and this week I've taken a different approach and basically haven't done anything for three days. I hadn't actually seen the course, so I was playing it blind today."
Cumbernauld's Paul Doherty, a former Scottish Boys' champion, had to settle for a 75 after racking up a damaging triple-bogey seven on the ninth.
Scots duo, Tom Buchanan and Danny Kay, struggled to 77s.
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