Hazy start to Omega Dubai Desert Classic - in pictures

Paul Casey on the mark early on at Emirates Golf Club

Renato Paratore of Italy plays his third shot on the 10th during Day 1 of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. Getty

The green keeper changes the pins on the 13th green at Emirates Golf Club. Getty

The sunrises over the course during Day 1 of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Getty

Kristoffer Broberg of Sweden tees-off on the 10th during Day 1. Getty

The sunrises over the course at Emirates Golf Club. Getty

Kristoffer Broberg of Sweden walks on the 10th in Dubai. Getty

Players walk down the second during Day 1. Getty

Ashley Chesters of England plays his second shot on the third. Getty

Fog engulfs the 17th green at the Emirates Golf Club. Getty

It was a chilly start to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. Getty

Paul Casey made a rapid start on his return to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic as he raced into an early lead.

The Englishman made the most of perfect scoring conditions at the Emirates Golf Club, which witnessed some early morning haze.

Playing the back nine first at the Majlis Course, the world No 27 birdied each of his first four holes.

He picked up another shot at the par-4 16th, and reached the turn at 5-under par.

That gave him a two-stroke lead over a group of players at 3-under that included Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood.

Garcia’s playing partner in the morning’s marquee match up, Collin Morikawa, was on 1-under.