Rampant Woods wins again

Woods picked up six strokes on the back nine, including a crucial 25-foot downhill birdie putt at the last which drew jubilant celebrations from the American, to finish at 14 under par following a seven-under 65.

Els headed down the final fairway needing a birdie to force a play-off, but the South African, beaten by Woods in a play-off in 2006, found water with his second shot and failed to hole the birdie chip after taking a drop.

The world number five, who has now finished inside the top three in each of his last seven visits to Dubai, was forced to settle for a tie for third place alongside compatriot Louis Oosthuizen (65), who began the day at five under, after missing his par putt.

Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer claimed second at 13 under par after carding a final-round six-under 66, which included a sensational eagle at the last, to further boost the 23-year-old Rookie of the Year's credentials as a potential Ryder Cup candidate.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell carded a final-round 70 to sit alone in fifth at 10-under, two shots clear of a group including defending champion Henrik Stenson (74).

Dubai-based Swede Stenson, who birdied the final green last year to edge out Els, also found the water at the last after beginning the day a shot adrift of Els.