Rose blossoms at Augusta

Britain's Justin Rose is going into day two of the US Masters hoping for a repeat of the brilliance shown during the first round.

A remarkable 68 including six birdies in eight holes, put him equal top of the leaderboard with South African Trevor Immelman.

Rose, who led after the first two rounds in 2004, shrugged off two early bogeys to fire a four-under-par 68 in bright sunshine on a soft Augusta National layout playing extra long.

The 27-year-old launched his sizzling run at the par-three sixth before ending the day level with Immelman, who missed a ten-footer at the last for a 67.

Britain's Lee Westwood, four under with two holes to play, bogeyed the 17th in fading light on his way to a 69 and a tie for third with Americans Brandt Snedeker and Masters debutant Brian Bateman.

World number one and four-times champion Tiger Woods, seeking his 14th major title, parred the first 12 holes before bogeying twice on his way to an opening 72.

Rose, who tied for fifth at last year's Masters, was delighted to rebound from his faltering start.

He said: "I didn't feel that comfortable out there on the course but I made a great swing into six, hit it to five or six feet.

"From the tee, it looked like I was close then I went up there and it was a little farther than I would have liked. I hadn't putted well the first few holes, but making that slippery little putt settled me down."

Britain's Ian Poulter spectacularly aced the par-three 16th on his way to an opening 70 in his fourth Masters appearance.

The 32-year-old holed out with an eight-iron from 169 yards to get to three under before slipping back with a bogey-par finish.

"I flushed it," the seven-times European Tour winner said of his ace. "As soon as it left the club, I knew it was going to be pretty good.

"It was an unbelievable buzz. You've got a few thousand people on the left-hand side so it was a special moment and the hairs on the back of your neck were standing up."

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