December 16, 2007	Sunday	Zilhaj 5, 1428

THOUSAND OAKS (California), Dec 15: Tiger Woods continued to show midseason form at the end of the year with a 10-under 62 late Friday, setting the course record at Sherwood Country Club and building a four-shot lead over Jim Furyk on the opening day of the Target World Challenge.

Playing for the first time in 10 weeks, Woods looked sharp as ever. He stretched his lead with a couple of long putts, one of them for eagle on the par-5 11th, and finished his record round with an 9-iron into 6 feet on the final hole that brought the fans to their feet.

“He’s not a very friendly host to shoot 10 under,” said Henrik Stenson, who played with Woods and was 10 shots worse.

Woods was at 13-under 131 as he tries to win his tournament for the fourth time. The previous record of 63 was held by three players, most recently Michael Campbell in 2005.

Furyk, coming off a seven-week break, birdied the last two holes for a 67 and will be paired with his Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup partner in the third round Saturday.

U.S. Masters champion Zach Johnson birdied the last three holes for a 67 and was another shot behind.

Never mind that the Target World Challenge is a boondoggle for the 16-man field, with a $5.75 million (euro3.96 million) purse that is larger than some U.S. PGA Tour events. Woods treated this like he might even get some FedEx Cup points.

“I still expect a lot from myself on each and every shot,” he said. “As far as added pressure, it doesn’t change. Whether it’s this event or all the way up to a major championship, it’s still the game. I want to get a ‘W.’ That’s why I enter the tournament.”

Scores were generally low on a calm, mild afternoon in the foothills just east of the Pacific Ocean. What made Furyk take notice of Woods’ round was that it was five shots better than anyone else.—AP