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Dubai: Ernie Els put himself in contention for an unprecedented fourth Dubai Desert Classic title with a day's best 65 at the Emirates Golf Club on Saturday, but will have to contend with a charging Henrik Stenson in today's final round.
The South African world No 5, who had triumphed here in 2005, 2002 and 1994, played some sublime golf to seize control of a tournament which appears to bring out the best in him.
He certainly looked to be in fine nick, particularly when putting for an eagle 3 on the par-five 10th hole. Els set up the feat with the help of a daring three-wood second shot, before holing in from three feet.
Stenson also appeared to be approaching his best form with a four-under 68 that left him just a stroke behind Els.
In-form Englishman Lee Westwood and Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell were a further two strokes back with overnight leader Tiger Woods four shots off the pace. The wheels appeared to come off Woods' game yesterday as the world No 1 returned an uncharacteristic one-over 73, his first over-par score in 21 rounds.
Following Friday's appalling weather, the sun returned to cast a warm glow over the Majlis rendering it perfect for golf. Els, for one, was pleased with the change.
Lifting the game
Having started the day on four-under in 12th place, "Big Easy" lifted his game several notches to take the turn on two-under 33, courtesy birdies on the third and fifth holes. The eagle on the 10th only served to set him up further as the South African picked up three more birdies on the 11th, 13th and 17th holes. "You know, it was a round that I really needed," Els said. "I was a bit disappointed yesterday.
"I probably needed two 64s to have half a chance in the tournament, and as it turned out, I had a 65 today and probably need a really low one tomorrow. I can't see Henrik with Tiger and the other guys not shooting low."
Woods blamed his approach shots for his disappointing round. "I didn't hit the ball close enough on the greens and consequently I was lag putting a lot," said the American. "But tomorrow I have to play better."
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