Tiger is beginning to loom but Britain's Ross Fisher maintained his unlikely surge in the Dubai Desert Classic with a second successive seven-under-par 65 securing a two-stroke lead, 14 under par, at the end of a day interrupted by bad weather.
Three-times champion Ernie Els was second on
12-under with four holes left when darkness fell. Briton Graeme McDowell (69) and Swede Peter Hanson (65) were joint third on 10-under with another Swede, Henrik Stenson, who must also return in the morning for his last four holes. Tiger Woods (67) finished one shot further back on nine-under.
"To lead any tournament is quite a thrill," the 26-year-old Fisher said.
"I've only led once before, at the 2005 China Open, which was my first. Fingers crossed this week I can just keep doing what I'm doing. I feel so comfortable and calm and relaxed on the course at the moment."
Fisher, whose best finish was a tie for third at the Singapore Masters in March, couldn't get a start in last week's Qatar Masters after being 14th reserve for the event.
South African Els, one of the late starters, chalked up an eagle and four birdies in a faultless round before the light faded.
The world number four collected three birdies in the first four holes before gaining another stroke at the ninth and an eagle three at the 13th.
Woods, starting his round at the 10th, took advantage of the easier back nine with four birdies including a hat-trick from the 13th. But the world number one was unable to mount a sustained challenge coming home, reeling off eight pars and a solitary birdie at the eighth. For the second day running, Woods was less than satisfied with his form on the greens.
"It was frustrating," he said. "I had great speed on the greens again but wasn't really starting the ball on line. I just don't feel like I made many putts today. Actually, it was kind of weird."
- REUTERS
