BRILLIANT TIGER LOOKS A COMEBACK KING IN THE MAKING

A SPORTING miracle to rank alongside the most mind-boggling in history has now moved into view following another remarkable day of progress in the comeback of Tiger Woods. Playing alongside Henrik Stenson and Jordan Spieth, the 42-year-old American posted a wonderful 68 in the second round of the Valspar Championship in Tampa. All the agonies he has been through over recent years suddenly appeared nothing more than a bad dream, as Tiger tamed the difficult Copperhead course with a display that showcased all his artistry. He was playing with the favourite to claim the green jacket at next month’s Masters — and he beat Spieth by nine shots over the course of 36 holes. Off the tee, he smashed his drive on the fourth — the 13th on the card — 39 yards past Spieth’s ball. Woods (above) gave himself plenty of birdie chances and there were many good putts, not least at the 17th, where he stood over a 20-foot effort to save a par. Down it went to produce one of those Tiger fist pumps we feared we’d never see again. Only at the last was there a trace of nerves, as he missed from six feet to drop his only shot. It appeared that half of Tampa had gathered to cheer Woods on as he shared the early lead, alongside Paul Casey among others, and heaven knows what it will be like this weekend.