Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Tiger Woods surged up the leaderboard at the Dubai Desert Classic, shooting a 6-under 66 to pull him back into contention for his first tournament victory in more than a year.

Woods shot a bogey-free round Friday with six birdies and strong putting. It’s a marked improvement from his opening 1-under 71. It puts him at 7 under with two rounds to go.

Rory McIlroy led after the first round with a 7-under 65 and was just starting his second round as Woods wrapped up.

Woods won in Dubai in 2006 and 2008.

-AP