JGTO Abroad: Hoshino starts strong with a promising 69 in Qatar

Rikuya Hoshino got off to a solid start at the DP World Tour's Qatar Masters when he carded a three-under-par 69 to sit just two shots off the pace.

Hoshino, who finished tied for 12th at last week's Bahrain Championship, displayed a mixed performance with five birdies and a double bogey at Doha Golf Club.

He currently trails leaders China's Wu Ashun and South Africa's Zander Lombard, sharing the seventh spot.

Masahiro Kawamura shot a 70, placing him in a tie for 14th, while reigning JGTO number one Keita Nakajima opened with a modest 72, placing him tied for 47th position.