Irish veteran Eamonn Darcy turned in a vintage display to move into contention in the second round of the Qatar Masters today.
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Eamonn Darcy moves into contention at the Qatar Masters
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The 48-year-old in his 30th season on the European Tour added a superb 68 to his opening 69 at Doha Golf Club for a seven-under-par halfway total of 137.
Argentinian Angel Cabrera had set the early clubhouse target on eight-under after a second round 70 with overnight leader Robert Karlsson of Sweden clinging on to a slender one-shot lead.
But with the habitual wind from the Arabian Gulf strengthening this afternoon Darcy knew he would not be far away from the lead by the end of the day.
"I'm right back in the tournament," said Darcy. He finished in a tie for 12th in Dubai last week.
"The leaders were just going out as I finished but they'll find it hard in the wind because it's a much tougher day than yesterday.
"I'm really looking forward to the weekend now. I'll give it a lash! I hit the ball nicely in Dubai and surprised myself a bit because I hadn't played any golf before that - I took a four-month break which I always do.
"But I got married in December and it's given me a new lease of life. I'm very happy." Darcy made five birdies and one bogey in his 68, a score so far only bettered by compatriot Paul McGinley in the group in front.
McGinley carded a superb error-free 67 to finish six under and right back in contention after a poor start yesterday.
"I'm really pleased with that because I had a terrible start yesterday and found myself three over after eight holes," said McGinley, another player in-form after finishing ninth in Dubai.
Karlsson carded one birdie and one bogey in his opening eight holes to remain nine under par but fellow overnight leader Mark Pilkington suffered a nightmare start.
The 22-year-old Welshman, who set the course record with his 63 yesterday, ran up a double bogey five at the third and took seven at the ninth to be out in 41 and fall way back to four under. PA