26 Jan 2012

Tiger Woods fit, happy and raring to go

11:07 am on 26 January 2012

Golf's world number three Rory McIlroy says Tiger Woods is fighting fit and more than happy with his game going into this week's Abu Dhabi Championship.

The US Open champion McIlroy practised with the former world number one yesterday and will play with the American and current number one Luke Donald in the opening two rounds.

Woods has tumbled down the world rankings following personal problems and injuries over the past two years but he won the Chevron World Challenge in December to climb back up to 25th.

World number two Lee Westwood, who won tournaments in South Africa and Thailand at the end of last year, will play with defending champion Martin Kaymer of Germany and Spaniard Sergio Garcia in the first two rounds.

Westwood says his improved putting should boost his chances of winning his first major title this year.