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Spectacular Charge Lifts Tiger

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By ANNA JOHNSON, The Associated Press

Published: February 4, 2008

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Tiger Woods watched his 25-foot putt race down the slope and bend toward the cup, then he skipped backward and punched the desert air in celebration when it disappeared into the cup for a final birdie.

So ended his spectacular charge Sunday to win the Dubai Desert Classic against Ernie Els, a familiar victim. Woods birdied his last two holes, and five of his past seven, for a 7-under 65 to start his season with two wins that looked nothing alike.

One week was an eight-shot victory at the Buick Invitational. The next week was his largest comeback in eight years when Woods rallied from a four-shot deficit with an array of impressive shots that make him look tougher to beat than he already is.

"I'm just happy to get a win out of this," Woods said.

It was the third time Woods has started his season 2-0, another sign he could be headed for a monster year. He now has won his past four official tournaments, and six of his past seven dating to the Bridgestone Invitational in early August. Woods also won his unofficial Target World Challenge by seven in December.

"It's the ideal start, isn't it?" Woods said. "You play to win. So far, I've done that this year."

Woods finished at 14-under 274 for a one-shot victory over Martin Kaymer of Germany. Woods had already posted his score when Kaymer, who won two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi, closed birdie-birdie-eagle for a 66.

Els started the final round with a one-shot lead against Henrik Stenson and was four shots clear of Woods, but finished with 71 to tie for third with Louis Oosthuizen.

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