Shell Houston Open 2012 Leaderboard: Cabrera Proves to Be a Threat for Masters

Tiger Woods isn't the only one eager to prove he has a chance of winning this year's Masters.

After Thursday's rain-shortened first round at the Shell Houston Open, 2009 Masters winner Angel Cabrera shared the lead with Carl Pettersson, shooting a seven-under(-par) 65.

An early tee time was all Cabrera needed to show that he is worth talking about, too, as a candidate for another green jacket with the Masters growing near.

Cabrera birdied three of the four par 5's on the Redstone Golf Club Tournament Course and didn't have to battle wet conditions to do it—the sun was still shining during the two-time major champion's early tee time.

Though Cabrera has missed the cut in several PGA Tour starts this year, his coach, Charlie Epps, believes his form has improved over recent weeks. Though Cabrera dropped from 31st in the world after the 2010 Houston Open to 176th this week, he is en route to a resurgence.

Epps told the Associated Press:

"

He got off to a slow start and he's been working hard and it's coming on. He's been close in a couple of tournaments. It takes time.

"

Cabrera's 65 matched his lowest single-round score in 161 starts on tour, and though he has 41 victories worldwide, he hasn't had one since his last Masters win in 2009. Given the way he played on Thursday, that could all change as the tournament continues in Houston.

One final spot in the Masters is reserved for the winner of the Houston Open, and though Cabrera has already qualified, he is still gunning for the victory. A strong finish in the tournament should give him some momentum heading into the Masters.

That way, Tiger won't be the only one entering the tournament on the heels of a big win.

Even further proof that Cabrera is ready for a Masters run is his attitude toward this tournament: He is focused, and only on the task at hand. He's not allowing himself to think about a green jacket quite yet.

Epps told the AP "He wants to play well this week, he's focused on this week."

Cabrera, speaking to the Houston Chronicle's Steve Campbell, added:

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I'm just trying to get to playing good. I'm working hard. I really want to play well this week. I want to go into next week with confidence. But this week, I'm focused on here.

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That kind of focus is precisely what will allow him to have a strong performance in Houston before solidifying himself as a contender for the Masters yet again.