Woods recorded birdies at the long 13th, 180-yard 15th and 351-yard 16th, where he rolled in a 15-foot putt.

However, Woods still trails Jose Manuel Lara by two shots after the Spaniard recorded further birdies at the 17th and 18th to record a five under par inward half of 32.

The Valencia golfer turned professional four years ago with a plus-four handicap, but failed to come through the tour qualifying school three times before finding success on the Challenge circuit.

Colin Montgomerie had a 20-foot eagle chance on the 13th, but just missed it and so was one behind Woods.