TIGER WOODS has surprised everyone over his first three rounds in Dubai – but we shouldn't be too surprised.
The world No.3 still has the game to beat anyone, it's just he hasn't proved it for a while.
On a course he loves Woods goes into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic trailing leaders Rory McIlroy, Thomas Aitken and Anders Hansen by two shots.
In windy conditions Woods kept himself in touch at the top with an eagle and four birdies but also four bogeys and a double bogey.
So after a dramatic third round Woods has a chance once again to move back to world No.2 behind Lee Westwood if he wins and Martin Kaymer finishes outside the top five.
Westwood is tied for 13th and Kaymer eight shots off the pace so at least Woods is showing the two Europeans there is life in the old dog yet.
The American is 10-3 second favourite with the likes of William Hill to end his trophy drought and he will be well backed at that price.
McIlroy, who has won before at the venue, is 3-1 with bodog while the value could be on steady South African Aitken at 10-1 with bet365.
Hansen is 9-1 with bet365 and Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, level with Woods in a group of seven, is 9-1 at William Hill and bet365.