DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Sergio Garcia took advantage of better playing conditions in the morning and carded a 7-under-par 65 for a one-shot lead to open the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.
Playing ahead of Tiger Woods, who could not make any headway and posted a 5-over 77, Garcia made six birdies and an eagle before finally dropping a shot on the eighth hole, his 17th.
Chile's Felipe Aguilar and South Africa's George Coetzee were tied on 66, and the resurgent Ian Poulter led a group of four players with 67.