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DUBAI - Ernie Els boosted his hopes of a record fourth Dubai Desert Classic title with a sizzling display early in Saturday's third round.
With Friday's strong winds giving way to light breezes and pleasant sunshine, the world number five wrested the initiative from overnight leader Tiger Woods.
Els raced to the turn in a flawless 33, two under, thanks to birdies at the third and fifth. The player known as the 'Big Easy' then hit a three-wood to five feet at the long 10th and rammed home his putt for an eagle.
Further birdies at the 11th and 13th took the South African to 10 under par overall, two strokes clear of Sweden's Peter Hedblom who had played 11 holes, and holder Henrik Stenson of Sweden .
Els previously won the Dubai title in 1994, 2002 and 2005.
World number one Woods, who had led from day one, mixed two bogeys with a solitary birdie to lie seven under through nine holes, level with German youngster Martin Kaymer and India's Shiv Kapur .
Ireland's Damien McGrane, second overnight a shot behind Woods, was back on five under after carding an outward half of 37 at the Emirates Golf Club.
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