Short game boost has helped Westwood top order of merit

By Tony Jimenez

DUBAI (Reuters) - An improved short game is one of the chief factors behind a sparkling run of form that has propelled Lee Westwood to the top of Europe's order of merit.

The 34-year-old Briton has produced 11 top-10 finishes in 12 events including fifth in Qatar last week and a tie for second in Abu Dhabi the week before.

"The short-game work I have done with (former player) Mark Roe has had big benefits," Westwood told reporters on the eve of the Dubai Classic, the third and final leg of the tour's 'desert swing'.

"I can be a lot more aggressive on the course. It's easy for me to get up and down (from off the green)."

The Ryder Cup stalwart also attributes his new-found confidence to better fitness and technique.

"I've done work on my fitness and some work with my Dad at home on the practice range," said Westwood. "I am a lot more confident with my technique.

"I understand my golf swing a lot better now, what works for me."

Westwood has finished in the top five in his last three outings in Europe and says he will be back in the winners' enclosure if he can remove the one bad putting round he tends to have each week.