By Tony Jimenez

Ernie Els made a flying start in his bid to claim an unprecedented fourth Dubai Desert Classic title on Thursday.

The 37-year-old South African, starting his round at the 10th hole on a calm, sunny day at the Emirates Golf Club, hit back in blistering fashion after dropping a stroke at the par-three 11th.

Els, champion here in 2005, 2002 and 1994, eagled the par-four 12th when his seven-iron from 167 yards rolled straight into the cup.

He followed up with four birdies in a five-hole burst to reach the turn in five-under 32 for a share of the lead with Spain's Jose Manuel Lara.

Lara, playing in the group directly in front of Els, produced five birdies in a flawless run to complete a matching opening nine of 32.

One shot adrift in third place were British trio Phillip Price (11 holes), Simon Dyson (11) and Phillip Archer (12).

World number one Tiger Woods, who pipped Els for the title in a playoff last year, launches his campaign at 1215 local time.

Woods plays with Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez and Johan Edfors of Sweden.