Els, who shot 65, had five birdies and an eagle at the 10th hole to total 11-under 205 and improved from fifth to lead by one stroke over defending champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden (68).

"I hit the ball really nice. I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens," said Els, a three-time champion. "I think the shot for me was on 10."

Leading by one shot after the second round, Woods had two birdies and three bogeys to tie for fifth with Sergio Garcia (70), Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner Martin Kaymer (69) and three others.

"I didn't play well today," said Woods, who opened his season with an eight-stroke win at the Buick Invitational last week. "I didn't hit the ball close enough on the greens, and consequently I was 'lag-putting' a lot. Never really gave myself a lot of looks at birdies."

At least four times, Woods had wayward drives that landed in sandy terrain near the gallery.

Cameras were also a problem for him. Woods yelled at a professional photographer on the eighth tee for taking a picture on his backswing, while marshals ejected some fans for inappropriately using cameras.

European Tour money leader Lee Westwood (68) and Graeme McDowell (69) are tied for third at 208.

Damien McGrane of Ireland (72), who is yet to place higher than third in a European Tour event, Peter Hedblom of Sweden (70) and Shiv Kapur of India (69) are also at 209.