Els finished at 17-under 199, despite bogeying the first and eighth holes. Previous leader Ross Fisher (71), Henrik Stenson (69) and Jyoti Randhawa (67) shared second.

Woods shot a 67 to trail Els by three strokes, missing putts from as close as five feet.

``I didn't make any putts today. It was frustrating,'' Woods said. ``I've just struggled all week. The putts that I hit well I misread. And then I've hit just atrocious putts and didn't even come close. I've got to clean it up for tomorrow.''

Fisher, the little-known Englishman who led the tournament for its first two days after shooting consecutive 65s, had to settle for a 1-under 71. On the 18th, Fisher slashed a drive into the grandstand, which cost him a birdie on the hole.

``Fortunately I didn't kill anyone,'' he said. ``I'd be lying if I said I wasn't shaking, a bit nervous.''

Els had a long day at Emirates Golf Club, finishing four holes from the rain-delayed second round, then returning to play another 18.

``I'm up for it. I'd like to win it pretty badly,'' Els said.

But he isn't relaxing, with Woods in contention.

``He could get red-hot at any time,'' Els said. ``Obviously you've got to watch the No. 1 player in the world.''

Woods had a frustrating round. On the par-5 third hole, he jacked the ball to the green in two deft shots. But he missed a 60-foot eagle opportunity and then a six-foot putt for birdie, settling for par.

Woods missed an 18-foot birdie putt on the fourth, a 10-footer on the sixth and an 18-footer on the seventh, slashing the air with his putter the last two times.

On the eighth, Woods bogeyed on an eight-foot putt. On the 16th, he missed a five-foot putt for birdie, raising both arms in dismay.

``I turned a 63 into a 67 today,'' Woods said.

A stroke ahead of Woods, Stenson, the Dubai-based Swede, shot a 3-under 69, winding up 15 under. India's Randhawa shot a 5-under 67 to also jump a stroke ahead of Woods.

Niclas Fasth shot the day's best score at 65, ending 13 under.