A refreshed Retief Goosen put his share of the lead after round one of the Dubai Desert Classic down to taking a leaf out of Tiger Woods' relaxation book.

The South African put his feet up over Christmas, like his American rival, and the extended break has paid dividends for both.

Goosen's time off netted him a rise in the world rankings up to No 3, while Woods, who lies three shots behind Goosen on five under, won his first tournament back last weekend in San Diego.

A superb eight-under-par round of 64, which was matched by Wales' Jamie Donaldson and 1997 winner Australian Richard Green, leaves Goosen in a good position to emulate Woods again with a first win in his opening event of the year.

Hartlepool's Graeme Storm carded a two-over par 74. He had four bogeys in the opening eight holes and lies in 99th spot

Goosen, double US Open champion, said: ''I didn't touch a club for five weeks. That's the first time I've done that.

''I took six weeks off and moved a spot up the world rankings. So maybe if I take another six weeks off, I'll move up to number two!

''Coming out here I wasn't expecting a lot. In the exhibition match I was hitting it pretty badly, but at least I knew I was putting well. And that's what I did. I missed a lot of fairways, but made a lot of putts.''

Life at home was far from carefree, though, and Goosen, 37 today, is having to contend with a minor ailment.

''I've had a bit of a niggly wrist, which I've had some treatment on since the New Year,'' he added. ''I must have picked it up playing with the kids.

''Luckily, it doesn't really hurt me when I hit the ball. I know it's there, but it's nothing serious.''

Donaldson's back complaintforced him to write off much of the 2004 campaign.

He attributed his outstanding first round to the work he has been doing to help strengthen the muscles around the affected area.

The run of six successive birdies the 30-year-old made from the 13th rocketed him into contention.

''The problem is manageable as long as I keep going to the gym and do the exercises,'' the Macclesfield-based golfer explained.

''I've been working with a spine-correction specialist and he gives me exercises to do every month, which I do every other day and probably five to six times a week when I'm off. It's a lot better than it was.

''I just concentrate on staying out of my own way and letting things happen, letting them flow and taking one step at a time."

Woods was frustrated at not capitalising on all his birdie chances, despite racing out of the blocks with two birdies and an eagle in his opening four holes.

Looking slightly weary, having jetted in from the west coast of America only on Monday, the world number one was pleased with his round and also a slightly easier challenge than he is accustomed to.

''I couldn't have asked for a better start but after that I didn't do much after a couple of birdies and a bogey,'' said the 10-time major winner. ''I'm very pleased, though, I've made a good start and I'm right there at the front.

''I think the winning score will be pretty low. The greens are perfectly smooth out there and, on top of that, pin locations are not tight to the sides. When we come over here to Europe, it's a little bit easier than it is in the States.''