JORDAN Smith's fine start to life as a member of the European Tour continued with an excellent opening round at the Abu Dhabi Championship this morning.

Derry Hill's Smith, who finished third at last weekend's SA Open in South Africa in what was only his third start since earning his place on the 2017 Tour, carded a flawless four under par opening round of 68 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 2016 Challenge Tour winner, who is based at Bowood Golf & Country Club near Calne, started on the 10th and went to the turn in 33, with birdies at the 11th, 15th and 18th.

Smith, playing alongside 2018 Europe Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn, who also shot 68, added another birdie at the second - his 11th - and parred home to lie four shots behind the early leader, Open champion Henrik Stenson.