World number one Rory McIlroy made three birdies in his last three holes in the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic to take sole possession of the lead on Friday.
The Northern Irishman calmly rolled in a 20ft birdie putt on the par-5 18th hole on the Majlis course to finish a sensational bogey-free round of eight-under par 64 as he moved to 14-under par 130 for the tournament.
– #Quiz360: WIN Dhs250 Legends Sports Bar voucher
– #360win: WWE LIVE Abu Dhabi tickets and Superstars meet & greet
– Relive round two of the Dubai Desert Classic
That gave him the breathing space of one shot over Scotland’s in-form Marc Warren, who made nine birdies and two bogies in a round of seven-under par 65.
But McIlroy will have to keep his foot on the gas as two players are tied for third a further shot behind, which include his compatriot Graeme McDowell (65) and five players bunched on fifth place on 133, including defending champion Stephen Gallacher (67), the current leader of the Race to Dubai, Danny Willett (66) and England’s Lee Westwood (68).
McIlroy has already made 15 birdies in the first two rounds, and he was under no illusion that he needed more of the same over the weekend if he wanted to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
“It’s a very bunched leaderboard. I know I’m going to have to go out there and make a bunch of birdies over the weekend like I have the first two days,” said McIlroy, who is leading the tournament for the fifth time in eight appearances.
The Ulsterman hit 17 out of 18 greens in regulation and was delighted with his overall play.
The 33-year-old Warren, who moved up to 56th in the world rankings after his runners-up finish in last week’s Qatar Masters, could secure his first Masters invitation if he has another good finish over the weekend.
Hatrick of birdies to finish for Rory! Shoots 64. Leader by one. #ODDC pic.twitter.com/yqVqUegUxb
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 30, 2015
The Scotsman started the day with a birdie on the 10th hole, and caught fire after his first bogey on the 12th. He then made five birdies over his next six holes, and on the much tougher front nine of the course, he made three more birdies and a bogey.
Three-time Desert Classic champion Ernie Els dodged a bullet and three late birdies helped him make it to the weekend at two-under par 142, which was the cut-line.
However, world number six Sergio Garcia will make an early exit after rounds of 75 and 71 meant he missed the cut.
