Former winner Thomas Bjorn moved into contention at the Dubai Desert Classic today after firing a six-under-par 66 to close to within a stroke of the early second-round lead.
The Dane, who carded an opening 69, reeled off six birdies to finish at nine-under 135, level with 1991 US Masters champion Ian Woosnam and one behind pace-setting Mikko Ilonen of Finland and Englishman David Lynn.
Ilonen had been two clear of the field at 11 under but dropped a shot at the last and had to settle for a 67.
The Finn was caught by Lynn, who eagled the 10th and 18th on his way to a six-under-par 66, the same score posted by Welshman Woosnam.
Overnight leader Alastair Forsyth of Scotland, who fired an opening 65, and defending champion Ernie Els, who carded a first-round 66, are among the starters this afternoon.
Darren Clarke continues to lead the Irish challenge. The Ulsterman, who fired a two-under-par 70 yesterday, is three under after 12 holes and five under for the tournament.
Paul McGinley is seven shots off the lead after shooting a fine three-under-par 69 while compatriot Padriag Harrington is one-under-par for the tournament after a 70 today.
On the course, both Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy are one-under par after eight holes while Graeme McDowell is struggling after covering his first nine holes in four-over-par for a six-over total.