Rose joins European charge

OAKMONT, Pennsylvania, June 15 (Reuters) Briton Justin Rose overcame a double-bogey on his first hole to post a one-over-par 71 and join a European charge in US Open first round.

Briton Nick Dougherty led the 156-man field at two-under 68, one stroke better than Argentina's Angel Cabrera. Tied for third place at level par were American Bubba Watson and twice Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain.

Rose, who started his round at the 10th, recovered with three successive birdies from the 12th and took his score to two under par with a birdie at the third before faltering with three bogeys over his last five holes, yesterday.

''I haven't shot myself out of the tournament today, which is what round one is all about,'' the 26-year-old Briton told reporters. ''I think after starting with a double in the first I feel like I managed to sort of keep myself in the game today.

''Although I dropped a few shots coming in, I'm pretty happy with the day.'' Rose was one of 16 players at 71, including defending champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, former winners Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk and Europeans Pablo Martin of Spain, Anders Hansen of Denmark, and Swedes Niclas Fasth and Peter Hanson.

The European contingent are aiming to end a pair of droughts -- claiming a first major title since Paul Lawrie won the British Open in 1999, and a first US Open crown since Briton Tony Jacklin prevailed in 1970.

''All in all I'm right in the hunt, right in the ball game from the word go,'' Rose said. ''There's three rounds to go, but it's a good, solid start.'' REUTERS BJR RK1010