THERE are few better tests of a truly great sportsman than the ability to bounce back. Muhammad Ali lost then recovered world title belts on three separate occasions, Andre Agassi dropped out of the world's top 100 in early 1998 before going on to win a further five grand slams, and Niki Lauda overcame a near-fatal crash at the Nurburgring in 1976 to win two further world titles.

Form might be temporary but class is permanent and, for Tiger Woods, it is time to see if he has the class to pull through.

It might seem churlish to question someone who has won so much so quickly but, for Woods, this week's US Masters represents the biggest challenge since he turned professional in August 1996.

When the 28-year-old slipped on the Green Jacket as Masters champion in 2002 he stood on the brink of golfing immortality.

It was his second successive Masters title, third overall, and saw Woods become the youngest ever golfer to win seven majors.

It also looked like being the precursor to even greater things as the American was so far ahead of his peers that he seemed certain to dominate the world game for the foreseeable future.

But, since then, he has failed to lift another major title and has even seen his position as world number one come under threat.

He has continued to win titles on the US Tour but, as a series of horrendous experiences at last year's Open highlighted, his veneer of greatness has begun to lose its shine.

Perhaps too much is expected of someone who still managed to win more than $6.6m last year.

Woods certainly thinks so but, if his winless run is extended over the next four days, the current whispering will turn into a more vocal challenge of his superior standing in the game.

"It's different for me than it is for any other player," said Woods before yesterday's final practice round at Augusta.

"It's just one of those things where people have an opinion and they voice it.

"Ernie Els had a bad week three weeks ago, missed the cut, and it's no big deal. It slips through the radar, whereas if I shoot one bad round it's a little different.

"I think it's just the expectation levels. I feel like I am playing well and things that I have been working on are starting to come together."

Woods' recent success in the World Match Play hinted at something of a return to form, and there is no doubt that his intimate knowledge of Augusta is worth a shot or two in every round.

But, with Woods at the longest price he has been before a major tournament for more than six years, this year's field looks particularly wide open.

A long drive is a distinct advantage, given the changes that have been made to 'Tiger-proof' the course in recent years, but, as ever, holding your nerve on Augusta's lightning-quick greens will be essential.

"The greens are as fast as I've ever seen them," said Fijian Vijay Singh. "Putting is going to be a key factor."

Singh will start as one of the favourites as he is statistically the best player in the world over the last 12 months, while South African Els is the form pick after finishing runner-up to Singh in 2000 and finishing in the top six of every Masters tournament since.

Davis Love III can never be discounted at Augusta and will be looking to improve on two second-place finishes, while fellow American Phil Mickelson will be desperate to shake off the unwanted tag of being the best player never to win a major.

Last year's champion Mike Weir will be back to defend his title, fresh from organising the annual champions' dinner at which he served the Canadian speciality of caribou and wild boar.

The European charge will be led by Irishmen Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke, with former champions Nick Faldo and Jose Maria Olazabal looking to roll back the years.

But, ultimately, all eyes will be on Woods. The world number one will be the only story in town, whether he wins by six shots or misses the cut tomorrow night.

And perhaps that, as much as anything else, is the sign of a sporting great.