Ireland's Graeme McDowell and Gary Murphy made the best of testing conditions at the Dubai Desert Classic this morning to move within one stroke of overnight leader Tiger Woods.

The gusting 25-30 mph winds that have affected the Emirates Golf Club and covered the course in sand this morning are expected to increase in the afternoon when Woods begins his round.

McDowell made a disappointing start to his second round after temporarily slipping back to four-under following a bogey at the first, but the 28-year-old two-time European Tour winner responded and instantly reeled off back-to-back birdies to reach the turn in 34.

Murphy, two strokes behind Woods, picked up a solitary birdie four at the 568-yard third to also move within one shot of the leader, who resumes his bid for a second Dubai title early this afternoon after continuing his recent run of form with a bogey-free first round 65.

South Africa's James Kingston, who has already collected a title this season after winning the South African Airways Open before Christmas, had temporarily joined the world number one at the top of the leaderboard after picking up three shots over his first five holes, but dropped a shot at the 15th.

India's Jyoti Randhawa and York's Simon Dyson, who began the day in a congested group which contained 11 players tied for second place two shots adrift of Woods, remained at five-under through fives holes of their second rounds.

Defending champion Henrik Stenson, three-time winner Ernie Els and Denmark's Soren Hansen remained at four-under par after all playing the back nine in level par 37.

David Howell, after making a welcome return to form with a top 10 finish in Qatar last week, also remained at four-under through eight holes of his second round alongside French Open champion Graeme Storm, who was one-under through seven.