Injury not to blame as Tiger Woods shoots 77

Tiger Woods insisted he had not suffered an injury setback despite his comeback continuing in demoralising fashion in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Woods failed to card a single birdie as he slumped to an opening 77 at Emirates Golf Club, two shots worse than his previous highest score in the event.

It was the 14-time major winner’s first birdie-free round since March 2014 and left him 12 shots off the lead held by bitter rival Sergio Garcia, who carded six birdies and an eagle in his 65.