HALFWAY TO A HERO.. TIGER’S BACK IN HUNT

TIGER WOODS last night rolled back the years, and rolled in the putts, to announce loud and clear that he’s back.

The former world No.1, now outside the world’s top 1,000 after a series of back operations, followed his opening 69 in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas with a 68 to move to seven under par, bang in the hunt for an unlikely victory.

At one stage of his second round Woods was actually top of the leaderboard, at least until Charley Hoffman flexed his muscles with a sizzling 63 to take the lead on 12 under.

Tiger had begun the week as the 40-1 outsider in the

18-man field but all of a sudden he’s looking a possible winner. It might not be a Major but for Tiger, written off by so many, it will feel like one should he win tomorrow.

Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood, finishing the year in style, was three behind Hoffman with three holes of his second round to play.

Tiger is delighted to have the scent of victory once more in his nostrils after so long in the wilderness.

“I proved that the surgery was successful and the rehab has been fantastic. Now I have a chance to go out there and play competitive golf again,” he said.

“But I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Bath’s Laurie Canter is just one shot off the lead at the halfway point of the Mauritius Open after adding a 66 to his opening 67.