Norman compares Woods feats to those of tennis great Evert

DUBAI, Feb 4 (Reuters) Former world number one Greg Norman has compared Tiger Woods's domination of world golf to the long period of success enjoyed by Chris Evert in tennis.

''In golf he's got tremendous concentration, dedication to improve every week and you have to admire and respect him for that,'' the Australian told Reuters after finishing his Dubai Classic campaign with a six-over 78 for a two-over 290 total.

''But if you look at other sports, somebody who has got a better performance record than any of them is Chris Evert. In tennis she has got a strike rate in majors of around 90 percent.

''There are other athletes that have done a little bit better but he (Woods) is phenomenal in golf.'' Norman, who separated from his wife of 25 years in 2006, has been romantically linked with Evert and the couple have been pictured together several times recently.

The 51-year-old Norman, who makes rare competitive outings these days while he concentrates on his many business interests, was full of praise for Woods.

''If you look down the list of all the great golfers, they all had strength of mind, resilience, determination and desire,'' said the man known as the 'Great White Shark'.

''But to win 70-odd times, is a lot of golf tournaments to win.

There aren't too many players who have done that so there's got to be something special about him.

''I don't care whether they are major championships or regular championships, he is trying just as hard here in Dubai as he will be at the US Masters in a couple of weeks' time.'' On his own golfing schedule, Norman was non-committal.

''I have no idea when I'm going to play again. I am going to concentrate on my business interests for the next 90 days or so.'' REUTERS DH BD1540