GOLF EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS: RORY McILROY hardly had time to get into his stride before he was called off the course for yet another fog delay while Sweden's Henrik Stenson managed a seven-under 65 to assume the overnight lead after yesterday's second day of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club.

Seventy-two players, more than half the field, have yet to complete their rounds because of a second fog delay in as many days.

Stenson played 25 holes yesterday, finishing off his opening 68 before following up with a seven-birdie effort that took him to 11-under par 133.

That left the Dubai resident one shot ahead of Australian left-hander Richard Green, who had no delay issues when signing for a second round 63 that included nine birdies and no dropped shots.

First round leader McIlroy was also been overtaken by world number two Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard managed to keep his often erratic putting in check to card a fine 66 with his only bogey of the day coming at the first, his 10th hole.

Garcia was three off the lead at eight-under-par.

McIlroy began the day on eight-under after his hugely impressive opening 64 but started his second round with a bogey five at the first followed by two pars.

He only completed three holes before play was suspended for the day which left the 19-year-old on seven-under, four off the pace, and tied with India’s Jeev Milkha Singh who shot 68.

Thick early morning fog, which also disrupted proceedings on Thursday, delayed yesterday’s start by more than three hours.

Players are scheduled to return at 7.35am local time (3.35am Irish time) today to complete their rounds but could face more delays after weather forecasters said there was a good chance of more fog.

European Tour officials will decide this afternoon how to proceed with the event if there is any more delays. Any further delays are likely to mean reducing the €1.9million event to 54-holes but officials still remain hopeful of completing 72 holes.

“If we have a good day tomorrow we will have split tee-offs (at the first and 10th holes) with three-balls in the last two rounds. If it doesn’t we will have a big headache,” said tournament official Mike Stewart.

Stenson, the 2007 champion, has had only one bogey so far this week. “It was a long day but pretty satisfying in the end,” said the leader.

“The only disappointment was a bogey on the 18th (in the first round).

“I recovered well after hitting some poor shots and made some good birdies. It won’t be too much fun for the guys who couldn’t finish today.”

Green maintains his round of 63 was one of the best of his career. “My putter has started working well and I am driving the ball well,” said the Australian, who won the event in 1997.

“I rank this round up there with my best. It’s a tough course so to shoot 63 is pretty pleasing.”

As for Garcia, he raved about his new driver but still couldn’t get away from his Achilles Heel, the putter.

“It’s just amazing how well it goes,” said the Spaniard in reference to his driver.

“I’m not only hitting it straight but I’m hitting long and that makes the course easier to play.

“Unfortunately I missed a couple of putts here and there but I felt like I played very solid. I felt like I was in control the whole time and it’s just a shame I couldn’t be probably two or three shots better.”

European Tour rookie Gareth Maybin made good progress and was able to complete a second successive 70 before the delay.

The Ballyclare native has adjusted well to life on the main tour and has surely gained confidence from his runner-up finish in the South African Open before Christmas where he lost in a play-off to Richard Sterne.

At four-under Maybin is tied 13th and in line for another decent cheque to add to the € 144,290 he has already amassed this season, which leaves him 21st on the European money list.

Graeme McDowell was the only other Irishman inside the projected cut mark.

The 29-year-old only managed one hole, which he parred, to remain on two-under for the tournament.

Paul McGinley’s one-under 71 left the Dubliner on level par and one shot on the wrong side of the projected cut-off.

Darren Clarke picked up a birdie in the two holes he played to get back to two-over. He still has time to rectify his poor opening 75, so too has Damien McGrane, who never got his second round started and is on the same mark as Clarke.

Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie’s tasks are much greater as they were three and four-over respectively after just five holes.