Tiger lurks ominously in Dubai
Source: Agencies |
February 13, 2011, Sunday
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TIGER Woods was just one stroke behind the Dubai Desert Classic third-round leaders yesterday after a topsy-turvy, even-par 72 in gusting winds left him firmly in contention to end a 14-month wait for victory.
Dane Anders Hansen (71), South African Thomas Aiken (74) and Briton Rory McIlroy (75) led the way on 8-under 208, with 14-time major winner Woods one of seven players on 209. World No. 1 Lee Westwood (72) was back on 211.
Woods stumbled to the turn in 39, mixing one birdie with three bogeys and a double-bogey six at the ninth.
The twice former Dubai champion, though, reignited his title charge by storming back in 33 with three birdies, one eagle and a single dropped stroke.
"It was a tough day but if I got even-par I figured that would be a good goal," world No. 3 Woods told reporters.
"I'm only one back, still right there in the ball game."
The 35-year-old shares fourth place with Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (72), Australia's Brett Rumford (72), Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed (69) and Spanish trio Alvaro Quiros (68), Sergio Garcia (75) and Alvaro Velasco (65).
Woeful start
McIlroy, who led on his own after the opening two rounds, made a woeful start with four bogeys in seven holes.
He also dropped a stroke at the 11th but birdies at the 9th and 12th meant the 21-year-old from Northern Ireland was well placed to record a second Dubai Classic triumph.
"I got off to a rough start but I thought I steadied the ship really well," said 2009 champion McIlroy. "I played the last 11 holes in one under which was actually pretty good."
Aiken had three bogeys and a solitary birdie at the 14th in his round while twice former European PGA champion Hansen registered three birdies and two dropped shots.
Raphael Jacquelin recorded a hole-in-one at the par-3 7th on the way to a 69 for 211.
World No. 2 Martin Kaymer, who entered the event with hopes of replacing Westwood at the top of the rankings, struggled in the wind and posted a 4-over 76 for 216.
Woods is looking for his first win since capturing the Australian Masters crown at the end of 2009.
Dane Anders Hansen (71), South African Thomas Aiken (74) and Briton Rory McIlroy (75) led the way on 8-under 208, with 14-time major winner Woods one of seven players on 209. World No. 1 Lee Westwood (72) was back on 211.
Woods stumbled to the turn in 39, mixing one birdie with three bogeys and a double-bogey six at the ninth.
The twice former Dubai champion, though, reignited his title charge by storming back in 33 with three birdies, one eagle and a single dropped stroke.
"It was a tough day but if I got even-par I figured that would be a good goal," world No. 3 Woods told reporters.
"I'm only one back, still right there in the ball game."
The 35-year-old shares fourth place with Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (72), Australia's Brett Rumford (72), Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed (69) and Spanish trio Alvaro Quiros (68), Sergio Garcia (75) and Alvaro Velasco (65).
Woeful start
McIlroy, who led on his own after the opening two rounds, made a woeful start with four bogeys in seven holes.
He also dropped a stroke at the 11th but birdies at the 9th and 12th meant the 21-year-old from Northern Ireland was well placed to record a second Dubai Classic triumph.
"I got off to a rough start but I thought I steadied the ship really well," said 2009 champion McIlroy. "I played the last 11 holes in one under which was actually pretty good."
Aiken had three bogeys and a solitary birdie at the 14th in his round while twice former European PGA champion Hansen registered three birdies and two dropped shots.
Raphael Jacquelin recorded a hole-in-one at the par-3 7th on the way to a 69 for 211.
World No. 2 Martin Kaymer, who entered the event with hopes of replacing Westwood at the top of the rankings, struggled in the wind and posted a 4-over 76 for 216.
Woods is looking for his first win since capturing the Australian Masters crown at the end of 2009.
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