ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—Ian Poulter of England shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to share a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Poulter made seven birdies, including a 70-foot putt at the last that if it hadn’t gone in “would have gone 10 foot past,” he said.

England's Ian Poulter play…
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Also at 65 were Richard Bland of England and Keith Horne of South Africa.

Sergio Garcia of Spain and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shot 66 to follow in a group of nine.

Todd Hamilton, the 2004 British Open champion, shot a 68. Defending European money list winner Lee Westwood had a 69.

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