Rock leaves Tiger in the woods

 Britain's Robert Rock won his head-to-head duel with a ragged Tiger Woods to lift the Abu Dhabi Championship title on Sunday after the former world number one produced his worst performance of the week.

The two players started the day in a tie for the lead and it was the little-known Rock who held his nerve on the final day to collect a second European Tour victory with a closing 70 for 275, 13 under.

Woods's sustained excellence over the first three days at the demanding Abu Dhabi Golf Club indicated the 14-times major champion was back to his best but his game unravelled on Sunday as he faded to a 72 for 277.

World number three Rory McIlroy (69) finished second on 276 while Woods had to settle for a share of third spot with former US Open champion Graeme McDowell (68), who had a hole-in-one at the 12th, and Dane Thomas Bjorn (68).

The bearded Rock, who started the week 117th in the rankings, was almost overcome with emotion after landing the Falcon Trophy and the first prize of 347,024 euros ($455,700). "I really can't believe I did that today," said the 34-year-old Englishman after another hot day in the desert. "It is such an amazing feeling. I was just happy to be playing alongside Tiger, that was a special honour in itself. Early on I played really well and I surprised myself. I hit some good shots and I began to tell myself, 'Why not (go and win it)?'. I've worked very hard at my game over the last few years but I didn't think this would ever happen," added Rock after eclipsing a world-class field.

Woods, seeking a 96th tournament victory, wore his trademark final-day red shirt and was the clear favourite to win at the start of the round. However, the pinpoint accuracy he showed with his irons and woods earlier in the event suddenly gave way to a succession of errors as he reached only one green in regulation in the opening eight holes.

The Englishman, backed by the occasional cry of 'Rocky, Rocky' from the galleries, came close to throwing the title away with a nerve-jangling effort at the par-five 18th. Italian Open champion Rock smashed a wayward drive into the desert scrub and contemplated a risky recovery even though his ball was in sand and close to a cactus bush.

India’s Jeev Milkha Singh had a good weekend with rounds of five-under 67 and one-under 71 to finish tied 24th. SSP Chowrasia shot a four-under 68 that saw him finish tied 56th.

Gangjee edged out

Max Kieffer of Germany made his first-ever visit to India a memorable one by edging out Rahil Gangjee in the first play-off hole to win the Gujarat Kensville Challenge in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Gangjee (71) and Kieffer (70) finished the regulation four rounds tied at seven-under 281. Gangjee was three clear of the field with four holes left, but faltered badly.