Els leads the way

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Els carded five birdies and an eagle to open up a one-shot lead over Henrik Stenson, whose 68 left him on 10 under.

World number one Tiger Woods, one ahead overnight, bogeyed the par-five 18th for a one-over-par 73 to slip to seven under, one behind Lee Westwood (68) and Graeme McDowell (69).

Alongside Woods is Sergio Garcia (70), Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer (69), Shiv Kapur (69), Peter Hedblom (70) and Ireland's Damien McGrane (72).

Els was delighted with his round, and said: "I'm swinging it better now than I have been all week - I hit the ball really nicely. I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens.

"I thought I would probably need two 64s to have half a chance, so I will probably need another low one. I can't see Henrik, Tiger and the other guys not shooting low, so I have just got to keep it going."

Woods admitted afterwards: "I didn't hit the ball close enough on the greens.

"I have to go out and play a good round of golf on Sunday - better than I have the last two days and start making some putts.

"I need to hit the ball better and make putts - that's not complicated."