GOLF/Qatar Masters: Joakim Haeggman and Klas Eriksson of Sweden fired six-under-par 66s to share the lead at the $1.5 million Qatar Masters which saw several players stranded midway through the first round following a two-hour fog delay.

One shot behind the Swedes in joint second spot were Denmark's Soren Hansen, England's Ian Garbutt and Aussie Adam Scott, while Scottish ace Colin Montgomerie shot 68 to share the third place with nine others.

Ireland's Des Smyth lies one shot further behind, with Darren Clarke a further place back after finishing with a 70.

Back on one-over are Ronan Rafferty, Michael Hoey and Graham Spring, though Spring's round was interrupted with three holes left to play.

The first round will be only completed today after an unusually thick fog that lasted through the night played havoc with the schedule. Mercifully, the much-dreaded Shamal wind never materialised as Haegmann and Eriksson shot bogey-free rounds.

Haegmann, who had four birdies on the front nine, was as pleased with his performance as he was with the weather, specially after the fog cleared and the sun shone in its full glory on the Doha Golf Club.

"The greens here are perhaps the most difficult we face during the entire year because of the grain on them so it was very pleasing," said Haegmann who is the first Swede to play in the Ryder Cup.

"I just holed the close chances and did nothing spectacular today. The weather in Sweden is hopeless most of the time so it felt good to be here in the Middle East. I'd say the weather here is even better than in Florida."

Montgomerie, who is playing in Doha for the first time, shot a bogey-free round too, putting him in a good frame of mind, considering his miserable showing in Dubai where he failed to make the halfway cut.

"I played really well today though I missed a lot of putts where I had chances to be better," said the Scot. "But I struck the ball well and had no bogeys which was pleasing after missing the cut in Dubai. I really played well from tee to green which meant the only chance I had of dropping a shot was if I three-putted, which I didn't do either."

Last year's winner Tony Johnstone of Zimbabwe shrugged off a sore left shoulder to shoot a 68 to share third place.

Joint leader Eriksson, who was placed 12th at the Dubai Desert Classic last week was oozing confidence after his round. "I am striking the ball well and after my showing in Dubai my confidence has improved," Eriksson said.

Veteran Gary Player, who is making a rare appearance outside the Senior Tour, shot a three over-par 75.

Meanwhile, England hope Justin Rose withdrew from the competition citing a sore back.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen took his place in the draw.