Britain's Justin Rose and big-hitting American Brett Wetterich moved one shot clear at the 71st Masters while Phil Mickelson made a shaky start to his title defense in Thursday's opening round.

Back on the PGA Tour for the first time in six weeks after nursing a back strain, Rose defied demanding conditions at Augusta National with a flawless three-under-par 69.

The 26-year-old Englishman, who led after the first two rounds at the 2004 Masters, reeled off three birdies on a 7,445-yard layout running fast and firm in bright sunshine.

Rose parred the last four holes to seize the outright lead before being joined by Wetterich, who rattled up three birdies and one bogey over the closing stretch.

The pair finished one stroke ahead of Briton David Howell, who eagled the par-five 15th, and 2001 PGA champion David Toms, who birdied two of the last eight holes.

South African Tim Clark, runner-up two strokes behind Mickelson last year, carded a 71 to share fifth place with Americans Vaughn Taylor, Zach Johnson, Rich Beem and J.J. Henry.

Mickelson, who slipped to five over par after seven holes, fought back to card a 76 while four-times champion and tournament favorite Tiger Woods finished bogey-bogey for a 73.

Only nine players in the 96-strong field were under par in the first Masters since 1999 to be played under optimal, dry conditions.

Source: China Daily