Jamieson carded seven birdies in a bogey-free 65 at Al Hamra Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday to join Germany's Sebastian Heisele on top of the leaderboard, one shot ahead of fellow Scot David Law, Thomas Detry, Brandon Stone and Johannes Veerman.

England's Matthew Southgate and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard were a shot further back in the DP World Tour event, with World No.53 Richard Bland – the highest ranked player in the field – carding a one-under-par 71 on his 49th birthday.

Australia's challenge was led by Maverick Antcliff, who shot a 69, featuring four birdies, while compatriot Jason Scrivener had a one-over par 73.

"I think being ready mentally was key, being ready to hit the ground running and thankfully I was able to do that." - Scott Jamieson.

Jamieson had carded an opening 63 in the Abu Dhabi Championship a fortnight ago and led after each of the first three rounds, only to struggle to a closing 77 and slip into a tie for 10th.

"I just picked up where I left off at the end of November, I did a bit of work but nothing dramatic," the 38-year-old said of his early-season form.

"No great overhauls which I've maybe been guilty of in the past, instead just improving on what I have a little bit here and there.

"I think being ready mentally was key, being ready to hit the ground running and thankfully I was able to do that.

Heisele won twice on the Challenge Tour in 2019 and was fourth in the Italian Open in 2020, but suffered health problems towards the end of last season and has fallen to 602nd in the world rankings.