Pieters shoots 67, leads by one in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Thomas Pieters birdied four of his first six holes and overcame a mid-round blip Thursday to take the lead on Day 1 of the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour.

The Belgian dropped three shots combined on the 10th and 11th holes of his first round but recovered with three birdies in a row to shoot 5-under-par 67 for a one-stroke lead over David Lipsky.

The 84th-ranked Pieters is chasing his first win since August and only second victory in 3½ years.

Bryson DeChambeau, one of the high-profile names in the field, was three shots off the lead after a round of 70 that included birdies on his first and last holes.

Fresh off his win at the Abu Dhabi Championship last week, Lee Westwood didn’t make a birdie in a 6-over 78 and was tied for 113th place.