DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- South African Ernie Els used a 7-under-par 65 Saturday to storm to a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic.
Els, a three-time winner of this event and runner-up to Henrik Stenson and Tiger Woods the last two years, respectively, sits at 11-under 205 through 54 holes.
His third round at the Emirates Golf Club included five birdies and an eagle following a four-bogey, even-par 72 Friday.
"I enjoyed it today," Els said. "It was a round that I really needed. I was a bit disappointed with my round yesterday. I felt I probably needed two 64s to have half a chance in the tournament, and as it turned out, a 65 today, and probably need a really low one tomorrow might do it."
Stenson (68) is second at 10-under 206, while Lee Westwood (68) shares third place with Graeme McDowell (69) at 8-under 208.
Woods (73) is tied for fifth at 7-under 209.
