Woods in contention in Abu Dhabi

By The ASSOCIATED PRESS

Created: Friday, January 27, 2012 11:42 p.m. CDT

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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Maybe those swing changes are paying off for Tiger Woods.

Woods moved into contention with a 3-under-par 69 Friday after three birdies over five holes on the back nine in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, finishing two shots behind leader Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark (67).

“I’ve grown to understand what Sean (Foley) wants me to do and how my body is going to do those things and produce the numbers he wants me to produce,” Woods said.

Olesen made seven birdies in his first 12 holes for a one-shot lead over 18-year-old Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland (70) and Matteo Mannasero of Italy (65).

Rory McIlroy finished with a 72 after a two-stroke penalty for brushing away sand in front of his ball on the fringe at the ninth hole.

The 22-year-old U.S. Open champion, playing again with Woods and top-ranked Luke Donald (72), opened with a bogey and double bogey on the third after an errant drive and some shaky putting.

He rallied with three birdies before a double bogey on the ninth.