Bjorn traps Tiger in a Classic finish

The glorious improbability of sport can be best appreciated in yesterday's drama-filled final round of the Dubai Desert Classic where the American superstar Tiger Woods sensationally collapsed on the last hole to hand Denmark's Thomas Bjorn a thoroughly merited victory in the $1.5 million event.

In a tournament that will be best remembered for its biting tension and intensity, part-time Dubai resident Bjorn produced the performance of a lifetime to score an unprecedented two-stroke win over the world's No 1 golfer.

Bjorn finished with a record-breaking four-round aggregate of 22-under 266 to collect a top purse of $250,000. The Dane also bettered South African Ernie Els' 1994 championship winning total of 20-under.

Woods, who led for most of the four energy-sapping days at the magnificent Emirates Golf Club, finished on 20-under to tie for second place with Ireland's Padraig Harrington. Both players earned $130,500.

Woods has very little to reproach himself after failing to snap a nine-event losing streak that has followed September's victory in the Canadian Open. The truth is that, Bjorn discovered the heady exuberance of taking on the world's top player and beating him at what he does best.

"To go out there and play with the guy for four days and beat him is probably any golfer's dream," said a modestly delighted Bjorn. "It takes a lot of doing because he is very impressive and he does intimidate you when you're out there. He's a really, really great player, I enjoy his friendship and he's the greatest sportsman in the entire world. But that's just what makes it a little bit sweeter to beat him."

Yesterday's final hole did neither Woods' nor Bjorn any justice, particularly after they had been rampaging birdies and records for most of the four hugely entertaining days. Ultimately, and cruelly at that, it was won and lost in no more than seven strokes.

Bjorn, who sunk an eight-foot putt on the 17th to draw level with Woods for the first time during yesterday's round, put the pressure on the American when he hit a magnificent tee-shot from the 18th.

Woods, forced to make his driver work, uncharacteristically drove into a clump of trees. Clearly in trouble, he chipped out with an 8-iron only to find the rough.

His third shot was what finally killed him. Hitting a 9-iron from 150-yards, the American made a desperate attempt to find the green, but only succeeded in dropping his ball into the water.

Woods had to settle for a double-bogey seven, while handing Bjorn the title.

"I had an opportunity but unfortunately I didn't hit the proper tee shot from the 18th," said Woods. "From the rough I actually hit a pretty good shot, and I was protecting against the flier, but I didn't get the flier. But hats off to Thomas, he played well all weekend and deserves the title."

Woods also hinted that his game was not 100 percent.

"I didn't feel as comfortable as I needed to feel on the final day with my golf swing and my putting stroke. In the end I made a couple of mistakes which finally cost me," he added.

This was only the fourth time in 27 tournaments that Woods has failed to win when leading into the final day's play. Among other things, he is reputed to be the best fourth round player in the world, and the one with the most aggressive finish.