High-ranked Rory McIlroy and rival Patrick Reed had been two photographs off the lead on the midway level of the Dubai Desert Traditional on Saturday.
Richard Bland, Thomas Pieters and beginner Michael Thorbjornsen all reached 10-under total at Emirates Golf Membership for a share of the lead after two rounds of the weather-impacted match, which is able to conclude Monday.
Thorbjornsen, who’s No. 2 on this planet beginner rankings, shot an 8-under 64. He began on the tenth and birdied 5 of his first six holes earlier than chipping for an eagle on the par-5 18th. He added a bogey and two extra birdies.
“I take pleasure in taking part in skilled golf so much and I am nonetheless an beginner,” he stated. “However simply the golf programs that we play, the gang on the market, it is what I am dreaming of ever since I used to be 5 – 6 years previous.”
Pieters recorded seven birdies on the again 9 to shut out his 67.
Bland posted his second straight spherical of 67 and has made only one bogey on the midway mark.
Marcus Kinhult, Connor Syme and Adri Arnaus had been all one shot again of the leaders.
McIlroy and Reed made headlines with some pre-tournament friction between them on the apply vary, however they will play in numerous teams in Sunday’s third spherical.
Like Reed, McIlroy shot a 70 on Saturday. He combined a birdie and a bogey with an eagle on the par-5 thirteenth.
“I solely hit two fairways at this time,” McIlroy stated. “When you’ll be able to’t hit fairways round right here, and the tough is kind of thick, it’s extremely arduous to have any management of your ball and get it shut into par fours. Yeah, just a bit rusty. Have to go perform a little work.”
Alongside Reed and McIlroy at 8 underneath had been Matt Wallace, Dan Bradbury, Ian Poulter, Bernd Wiesberger, Lucas Herbert and Angel Hidalgo.
The competitors will conclude on Monday due to delays attributable to moist climate then fading mild.
Reed, a former Masters champion who is among the high-profile gamers to have joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf breakaway league, had three birdies and a bogey.
