DAVID Howell was a happy man after making a strong start to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this morning.

The Swindon pro carded six birdies in a four-under-par opening round of 68 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which currently has him tied sixth on the leaderboard with a handful of players still out on the course.

Howell’s efforts matched that of current world number one Jordan Spieth, with American amateur Bryson Dechambeau leading the way after an eight-under 64.

That is one shot ahead of Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, with reigning Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy a further shot back in a tie for third.

For Howell, it continued his strong run of form of late, with the Broome Manor man carding a third straight round in the 60s after a strong weekend at his previous event – the Joburg Open.

“I set myself the target of going under par and I’ve done that, so I’m delighted,” 40-year-old Howell told the Adver.

“This is a top quality event. There’s three of the top four in the world here, it’s as strong a field as you will get on the European Tour.

“I’d love to be in contention on Sunday and to do that you’ve got to start well and that’s what I have done.

“My round got better as it went on, which was a good feeling, and I’ve carried on the momentum I had from the weekend in South Africa.

“If you keep scoring in the 60s you know things are going well.”

Howell was in the first group out at 3.20am GMT this morning alongside France’s Raphael Jacquelin and Korean Jin Jeong, and he is hoping to continue his momentum when they tee off their second round at 7.45am tomorrow.

“It’s not the easiest draw in the Middle East as although it’s not chilly, the roughs can be quite wet and sticky,” added Howell.

“It was nice to go out early and as we were first off we had a clear course in front of us but I think the conditions are tougher for the morning starters.

“We’ll have nice weather again and the rough won’t be as wet as it was for us on today, so hopefully I can put another good round together.”