Paul McGinley, runner up in Dubai last weekend, allowed a promising position slip away at the Qatar Masters in windy Doha today.
The Dubliner had gone to the turn in two under, and added a further birdie at the third (his 12th), but carded three bogeys down the stretch to undo all his good work and move back to level par.
Ryder Cup player Paul Broadhurst began in fine style with a four-under-par 68. It gave the 38-year-old Englishman, who returned to action last week after a two-month injury lay-off, a share of the early lead with compatriot Matthew Blackey and Scot Andrew Oldcorn.
Ian Woosnam, who has missed his first four halfway cuts this season, was three under par with two to play and shared fourth spot with Worksop's Mark Foster, Swede Jarmo Sandelin, Dutchman Rolf Muntz and Kent's Roger Chapman.
Gary Murphy heads the Irish challenge on one-under-par through 15 holes while Peter Lawrie lies alongside McGinley at level par.