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Warne pokes fun at Tiger

Tiger Woods' reputation amongst the youngsters remains high © Getty Images

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Tiger Woods said he is expecting a pleasant reception from Australian fans after winning a new supporter in former Test cricketer Shane Warne.

Woods and Warne created headlines at an Australian Masters dinner on Tuesday night after sharing a joke about the other thing they have in common besides being legends of their own sports, that being the sex scandals that blighted their reputations.

Warne said, using a pause for effect: "I think we have a little bit in common ... I love golf." When both men smiled, the room at Crown Casino in Melbourne burst into laughter.

Woods followed up: "I have heard stories about him ... on the cricket pitch."

The exchange reflected Woods' relaxed mood as he prepares to play in the Australian Masters tournament which starts on Thursday. On Wednesday he took part in a pro-am event with three lucky amateurs which doubled as his practice round on the Victoria Golf Club lay-out.

Fans have been warned that any heckling of Woods will result in expulsion from the venue, but the defending champion in Melbourne isn't expecting any problems.

"I wanted to come down here. I came down here in `96 - that was my first time," he said. "I played the Australian Open. I have always loved coming down here. I have even taken a couple of vacations here. It's one of my favourite places to come.

"I have been grateful - the fans have been phenomenal over the past year at every event I have played. Every time I have come down here the fans have been incredible. I don't expect anything different at all. These are some of the greatest sporting fans - sporting fanatical fans actually. You guys love your sport down here."

Woods said he is confident of defending his title on the back of his new swing, which is sending the ball longer than ever before.

"I think I have a pretty good chance of winning if I play the way I know I can play," he said. "I actually put together a really good round at the Ryder Cup on the Monday. I am hitting the ball certainly much further than I used to when I hit the proper swing. It's just not as consistent as I would like it to be. When I feel like I am firing on all cylinders, I feel like I can beat a lot of people."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.