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Tiger Woods back in world's top 50

Tiger Woods showed a welcome return to form in Australia © Getty Images

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Tiger Woods' fine third-place finish at the Australian Open has catapulted him back into the world's top 50.

The 14-time major winner has suffered an alarming slide in the past two years, a slump that has not seen him record a single tournament win. His poor run, combined with a lack of activity due to injuries and personal problems, saw him slip down to 58 in the world.

He turned up at The Lakes in Sydney in upbeat mood and fine efforts in three of his four rounds earned him third spot. Had he not carded a 75 in round three he could well have been celebrating his first win since the Australian Masters of 2009, but it was an upturn in performance that will have the rest of the world taking note. And it earned him a rankings rise to No. 50.

The top four in the world - Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer - remain unchanged - while Steve Stricker has replaced Dustin Johnson at No. 5 to once again become the highest ranked American.

Three-time major winner Ernie Els has slipped out of the world's top 50 for the first time since 1994, dropping to 52 - one place below his fellow South African Retief Goosen who is also on the side.

World rankings: 1. Luke Donald (ENG), 2. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 3. Lee Westwood (ENG), 4. Martin Kaymer (GER), 5. Steve Stricker (USA), 6. Dustin Johnson (USA), 7. Adam Scott (AUS), 8. Jason Day (AUS), 9. Webb Simpson (USA), 10. Matt Kuchar (USA), 11. Nick Watney (USA), 12. Phil Mickelson (USA), 13. Charl Schwartzel (SAF), 14. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 15. KJ Choi (KOR), 16. Justin Rose (ENG), 17. Bubba Watson (USA), 18. Sergio Garcia (ESP), 19. Hunter Mahan (USA). 20. David Toms (USA)

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