Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler share lead after first day at Waste Management Phoenix Open Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler shot clean rounds on first day in Scottsdale Harold Varner joined his American compatriots on seven-under par Hideki Matsuyama got off to a slow start in his bid to win a third titleBy Press Association Sport Staff Published: 06:28 GMT, 1 February 2019 | Updated: 06:28 GMT, 1 February 2019 Viewcomments Japan's Hideki Matsuyama got off to a slow start as he bids to win his third Waste Management Phoenix Open title - while Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler share the lead. The American pair both shot clean rounds in Scottsdale, with Thomas carding five birdies across six holes of the back nine to grab a share of the lead. Fowler holed an eagle putt on the par-5 13th on his way to 64, matched by Harold Varner who also went round in seven-under. Rickie Fowler took a share of the lead on the first day at the Waste Management Phoenix Open Justin Thomas joined his American compatriot on seven-under par after the first-round Japan's Hideki Matsuyama eyes up a putt but his bid for a third title got off to a slow start LEADERBOARD T1 = J Thomas -7 T1 = R Fowler -7 T1 = H Varner III -7 T4 = M Laird -6 T4 = J T Poston -6 Scotland's Martin Laird is a shot behind, having started his round with a birdie-bogey-eagle, while England's Tyrrell Hatton is tied for 6th on five under. Matsuyama won the title in 2016 and 2017 and was gunning for a third-straight in 2018 when he was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury. His round of 68 was enough for joint 27th alongside 12 other players, including partner and defending champion Gary Woodland, and Phil Mickelson who is making a record 30th appearance in the event. Bubba Watson plays on the tee of the 16th hole at the event in Scottsdale on Thursday Phil Mickelson walks through the cacti on the 16th green in search of his ball Mickelson takes the applause of the crowd as he walks off the 16th green Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility