Woods leads the way

Tiger Woods effortlessly claimed his 62nd PGA Tour victory at Torrey Pines last week but ominously insisted he has already stepped up his game to a new level.

Buick Invitational winner Woods carded an opening-round seven-under-par 65 at the Dubai Desert Classic to lead a group of 11 players - including Abu Dhabi Golf champion Martin Kaymer, Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and Englishman Simon Dyson - by two strokes.

"I hit the golf ball a lot more cleanly and shaped the ball better (than last week). I played well," said Woods.

"The only bad shot I really hit was at the par-five 13th - other than that, I really hit the ball well."

Defending champion Henrik Stenson joins three-time Dubai winner Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia in a group at four under, with Lee Westwood and Northern Irish prodigy Rory McIlroy a further shot back.

Colin Montgomerie, who was playing alongside Woods, finished the day at level par after carding two double-bogeys over his last four holes.