World number five Ernie Els's hopes of a record fourth Dubai Desert Classic title soared when he signed for a seven-under-par 65 to secure a one-stroke lead after today's third round.

With yesterday's strong winds and overcast skies giving way to light breezes and pleasant sunshine at the Emirates Golf Club, the South African wrested the initiative from overnight leader Tiger Woods by chalking up an 11-under tally of 205.
   
Holder Henrik Stenson of Sweden fired a 68 to take second place on 206, two ahead of England's Lee Westwood (68) and Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell (69). World number one Woods was strangely out of sorts as he slipped to a one-over 73 for 209.

Damien McGrane was paired alongside Woods in the final group and outscored the world's best player when he signed for a level par 72 to remain seven-under and tied fifth. Gary Murphy was a shot further back after today's 71, while Paul McGinley's69 moved him up to four under.
   
"I knew at the start I probably needed two 64s to have half a chance," Els told reporters. "As it turned out I shot a 65 today and I probably need another really low one tomorrow. I can't see Henrik and Tiger and the other guys not shooting low."

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 wonderful approach shot with his five-wood at the long 10th and rammed home his putt for an eagle.
   
"That was the shot of the day for me," said the 38-year-old. "I had 246 yards to the front of the green and I think the flag was 266 yards away and I hit it a couple of feet from the hole.
   
"Then I hit another good shot on 11 to about three feet for another birdie. Those two holes really got everything going for me."
   
Two more birdies followed at the 13th and 17th before Els had to fight for his par at the last.
   
His ball leaked into sandy rough to the left of the fairway but, despite being half-stymied up against a tree, he executed a good recovery and walked off the green with a regulation five.
   
Els set the course record with an 11-under 61 on his way to victory here in 1994 before adding two more title successes in 2002 and 2005.
   
"I've always loved this course...it is always in great shape," he said. "I feel like playing, feel like practising. I've got a lot of friends here so I feel comfortable."