Europe's order of merit race warmed up today when the top three moved on to the Dunhill Links Championship second-round leaderboard.

Ernie Els, third on the money-list, fired a 67 for a 10-under total of 134 which left him one stroke behind joint pacesetters Peter O'Malley of Australia (64), Britain's Nick Dougherty (66) and South African Hennie Otto (67).

South African Els can go top of the order of merit on Sunday but the 2003 and 2004 money-list winner will not be playing in Europe after next week's World Match Play Championship at Wentworth.

Holder Padraig Harrington is also in contention. The order of merit leader had a much better putting round today as he carded a 66 for an eight-under aggregate.

Justin Rose of Britain, second on the money-list, lies a stroke behind Harrington after a 69.  Rose is not the only player the Irishman is keeping an eye on this week.

"I think it would be foolish of me just to focus on Justin," the British Open champion said after picking up eight birdies.

"There are at least five or six more in contention. I've just got to make sure I carry on improving tomorrow and again on Sunday."

Rose, just under €327,000 behind Harrington on the money-list is refusing to let the issue affect him.

"It's not on my mind at all although it has now become a goal," said Rose. "It would just be a huge bonus because it was not on my radar at the start of the year.

"Whoever wins the order of merit, though, has got to play good golf over the last four tournaments of the year."

World number five Els, some €339,000 adrift of Harrington, said: "I've had a little peek at it (money-list).

"I see Padraig played well and Justin too. I have to win this week and next week to have any chance because I've committed to other tournaments after that."

Els, Harrington and Rose played at St Andrews on Friday, one of three courses being used this week.

Of the other Irishmen in the field, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Gary Murphy all sit two shots further back on six under. Damien McGrane is five under and Paul McGinley three under