World No. 1 men's golfer Tiger Woods of the United States picked up this week where he left off last Sunday -- leading a tournament and dominating the field.
Woods shot a 7-under-par 65 to take the lead after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates. The top-ranked Woods had seven birdies and no bogeys on the par-72 Emirates Golf Club Course.
Germany's Martin Kaymer, who won the Abu Dhabi Championship two weeks ago, is one of several players who finished the first round two strokes behind Woods at 5-under-par 67. Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Andrew McLardy of South Africa and Thomas Levet of France were also 5-under-par in the first round.
Sergio Garcia of Spain is part of another large group, that includes Ernie Els of South Africa and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, three strokes off the lead at 4-under-par (68).
Woods opened his 2008 season with an eight-stroke win at the Buick Invitational Tournament in San Diego, California. This week's winner in Dubai takes home more than $422,000.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
