Tiger takes short game to next level

MARANA, Arizona: Tiger Woods signalled an ominous warning to his rivals on Tuesday by saying his short game was better than ever after being sidelined for eight months due to reconstructive knee surgery.

The world No 1, who defends his WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship title this week, has not played competitive golf since winning the US Open in June.

"My short game has gotten a little bit better," Woods told a news conference after playing his first practice round at Dove Mountain's Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.