McIlroy sees Dubai lead cut

Rory McIlroy still leads the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after a second round 68 today, but his lead over Sergio Garcia and Thomas Aiken is down to one – and Tiger Woods is in the hunt too.

Woods followed up his “scratchy” opening 71 with a best-of-the-day 66 to move to seven under and joint fifth place.

Without a win for almost 15 months, he even led for a few minutes after starting the day 27th, but that was before McIlroy hit the Emirates course again.

The 21-year-old Northern Irishman came back from a bogey on the second with five birdies, the last of them on the long 18th edging him ahead of ex-world number two Garcia and South African Thomas Aiken.

They both had a second successive 67, the back-to-form Spaniard keeping a bogey off his card for the second day running.

McIlroy said: “I felt a little more at ease with my swing yesterday, but I stayed patient and picked up the birdies when I could.

“Maybe this time last year I would not have been able to grind out a 68 after the start I had. Rounds like this prove I am doing the right thing.”

Woods charged past playing partners Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, the two men who have overtaken him on the rankings. Westwood handed in a 70 for five under, Kaymer a 71 for four under.

Woods commented: “I played myself right back into the tournament. I felt I hit the ball a lot better and the greens were absolutely perfect.

“It was steady. I didn’t make as many mistakes as yesterday and I felt it was important to post a number.”

Westwood, who missed the cut last week, is still searching for his sparkling best.

“I’m a bit disappointed with the way I’ve hit it the first two days,” he commented.

“You have chances out there – you’ve just got to be on your game.”