Woods out to silent youth

Tiger Woods said he welcomed the arrival of a new generation of gifted young players, but insisted he would have no mercy on them as he tries to close in on a fifth Masters title.

The 36-year-old former world No 1 bounded back into contention at Augusta National on Friday with a stunning nine birdies en route to a six-under 66.

That left him in a tie for third place with South Korea's K.J. Choi but three behind 21-year-old leader Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and two back of 23-year-old Australian Jason Day.

"It's the next generation," he said.

"It's good to see these guys out here playing and that much enthusiasm and that much zest for the game.

"It's not just these guys. Don't forget Ryo (Ishikawa) as well. It's a whole crop of guys that are that age.

"That generation is going to be a fun one to watch and how it matures over the next 10, 15 years."

The fun, though, he insisted will not extend to this weekend.

Reuters

(China Daily 04/10/2011 page7)