Justin Rose and Trevor Immelman take charge at Augusta

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Britain's Justin Rose reeled off six birdies in eight holes to share the first-round lead at the U.S. Masters while Tiger Woods labored to stay in touch on Thursday.

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 South African Trevor Immelman, who missed a 10-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 Woods, seeking his 14th major title, parred the first 12 holes before going bogey, bogey, eagle 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.

"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," he told reporters.

"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."