U.S. Open champion Ernie Els to play in 2002 Dubai Desert Classic

Saturday, December 15th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) _ Ernie Els of South Africa will return to the United Arab Emirates for the 2002 Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament on March 7-10 after a six-year absence, organizers announced Saturday.

Els equaled the European Tour mark of 12 birdies when he set a course record of 61 at the Majlis Course during his 1994 victory here.

Tiger Woods, the world's No. 1 player, made his debut at the 2001 Dubai Desert Classic but faded surprisingly at the last hole to give Dane Thomas Bjorn his first title in Dubai. Woods has not confirmed whether he will be back to play in the 2002 classic despite ongoing efforts by organizers to bring him back.