Scott maintains lead at Qatar Masters

Saturday, March 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DOHA, Qatar (AP) _ Adam Scott of Australia made an impressive start to the third round of the 1.1 million pound (dlrs 1.5 million) Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club Saturday when he birdied three of the first eight holes to move to 14 under par.

Scott, the overnight leader, picked up shots on the second, fourth and eighth to solidify his position as the man to beat in the battle for the dlrs 175,000 main prize.

His nearest challengers at nine under were Colin Montgomerie, seeking his first win of the season, fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher, nephew of the former Europe Ryder Cup captain, Bernard Gallacher, and Denmark's Soren Hansen.

Gallacher, playing two groups behind Scott, reeled off six pars before birdies at the seventh and eighth thrust him into contention. Montgomerie, whose form has been steadily improving since the tournament began Thursday, went to the turn in a two-under-par 34.

Henrik Nystrom of Sweden had earlier set the clubhouse lead on eight under par, followed by South Africa's Trevor Immelman, who was a shot behind.