Ernie Els and Tiger Woods were ready for another fascinating duel in the desert sun after two late birdies helped the South African snatch a two-shot lead on 17-under-par 199 in the Dubai Classic third round on Saturday.

Els, beaten by the world number one in a playoff here last year, recorded a total of six birdies and two bogeys to shoot a four-under 68 in breezy conditions at the Emirates Golf Club.

The 37-year-old Els must now subdue Woods on the final day, with the red-hot American firmly in the hunt to claim his 10th title from 13 starts after carding a 67 for 202.

Woods was in fifth position, one stroke behind Indian Jyoti Randhawa (67), Dubai-based Swede Henrik Stenson (69) and second-round leader Ross Fisher of Britain (71).

Best of the Australians was Stuart Appleby, ten off the pace after a 71. Greg Norman (71) was a further three shots behind.

Asked if he would keep a close eye on Woods's progress on Sunday, Els told reporters: "It is important to play your game, to concentrate on what you do. I've just got to shoot somewhere in the middle-60s and hopefully I should be okay.

"But you also like to see what other players are doing, especially Tiger. You know he could get red-hot at any time."

Els, bidding for a record fourth Dubai title, had to make an early 0745 start to finish the last four holes of a second round interrupted by thunderstorms on Friday.

"I am a little fortunate to be two ahead," said the champion of 2005, 2002 and 1994. "It has been a long day for some of us.

"I felt I probably left a couple of shots out there. I had three putts from 12 feet (for a bogey) at the first and another three putts at the eighth."

Els finished in grand style though, pitching to four feet for a birdie at the 17th before reaching the long 564-yard 18th with a driver and five-wood and two-putting for another birdie from 25 feet.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP