Rory McIlroy on Friday in Dubai
Rory McIlroy’s second round 68 kept him at the top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the 21 year old advanced to 11 under par to sit one shot ahead of in-form South African Thomas Aiken and a rejuvenated Sergio Garcia.
Former World Number One Tiger Woods is also lurking ominously after the American responded to a “scratchy” opening 71 with a magnificent best-of-the-day 66 which took him into a share of fifth place on 11 under.
Without a win for almost 15 months, he even led for a few minutes after starting the day 27th, but that was before McIlroy hit the Emirates course again.
The Northern Irishman came back from a bogey on the second with five birdies, the last of them on the long 18th, edging him ahead of ex-World Number Two Garcia and Aiken.
They both had a second successive 67, the back-to-form Spaniard keeping a bogey off his card for the second day running.
McIlroy said: "I felt a little more at ease with my swing yesterday, but I stayed patient and picked up the birdies when I could.
"Maybe this time last year I would not have been able to grind out a 68 after the start I had. Rounds like this prove I am doing the right thing."
Woods charged past playing partners Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, the two men who have overtaken him on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Westwood handed in a 70 for five under, Kaymer a 71 for four under.
Woods commented: "I played myself right back into the tournament. I felt I hit the ball a lot better and the greens were absolutely perfect.
"It was steady. I didn't make as many mistakes as yesterday and I felt it was important to post a number."
Westwood, who missed the cut last week, is still searching for his sparkling best.
"I'm a bit disappointed with the way I've hit it the first two days," he commented. "You have chances out there - you've just got to be on your game."
Michel Hoey carded a round of 67on Friday to move up to a share of 5th place with Woods.
Darren Clarke remain on 2 under after a level par 72 and is one ahead of Damien McGrane who was one under par for the day.
Peter Lawrie was level par following a 70 and makes the cut.
Paul McGinley missed out after a round of 75 and joins Gareth Maybin who despite a one over par round on Friday was in trouble following is opening day 79.
