Birdie fails to lift Els' spirits

Not many birdies result in a putter being tossed angrily away, but that is what Ernie Els did in the Dubai Desert Classic today.

The world number three, twice a winner of the title and runner-up last year, finished off his second round with three birdies in six holes but was annoyed he was not closer than five strokes to Irish leader Paul McGinley.

Els reduced the 547-yard closing hole to a massive drive and eight-iron second shot – most needed woods to carry the lake – but from 10 feet missed the eagle chance.

As he strode off the green the putter was slung over one bag and towards his own, a marshal taking a backward step because he thought it might hit him.

“I played well but missed a lot of putts,” said the South African.

“I didn’t get the pace right, and the ones I missed are normally my distance.”

Half the 150-strong field were unable to complete their second rounds yesterday after two fog delays – and there was a third this morning, but of only 45 minutes this time.

Also among those kept waiting was Welshman Bradley Dredge, first-round leader following his 64 on Thursday and joint third overnight.

Dredge bogeyed the short 14th but finished in style with the eagle Els wanted and with that jumped to nine under and third on his own, one behind 47-year-old American Mark O’Meara and two behind McGinley.

Lee Westwood, however, fell eight back after a double bogey at the 14th and bogey at the 15th.

Nick Faldo was one further back but delighted still to be going in the event. He had been three over after eight holes of his second round but played the remaining 10 in five under.

“I did a little bit of putting work to get a better feel, and it worked,” he said.

Out of the event went Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn, who beat Woods to the title three years ago.

Both finished three over – with Clarke, third in last week’s Accenture world match play, saying: “I think it was a mixture of jetlag and not being on top of my game.”