Former Masters champion Patrick Reed powered into a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday with a bogey-free 66.
The American carded four birdies and an eagle in his six-under par second round to reach nine-under overall, as he targets a first European Tour title since joining LIV Golf in 2022.
England's Andy Sullivan is in second place, while world No 2 Rory McIlroy is seven strokes off the pace on two-under for the tournament.
How it stands at the halfway stage in Dubai 📊 #HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/WEJhkv50wD
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 23, 2026
"Game felt good. Kind of went out there and gave myself a lot of good looks, good opportunities, and only missing one green today, that definitely helps," said Reed.
Overnight leader Francesco Molinari bounced back from a two-over front nine to card a level-par 72 and is tied for third on seven-under overall with fellow Italian Andrea Pavan.
Dane Nicolai Hojgaard is three strokes off the lead on six-under, one shot ahead of a group of five players which includes reigning champion Tyrrell Hatton.
The Englishman, who made the winning putt at last year's Ryder Cup, holed his approach shot on the 17th for an eagle before adding a birdie on the final green.
"I'm, what, four back going into the weekend? It's in a decent position, considering I don't feel like I've played anywhere near what I'm capable of," said Hatton, playing in his first event of the year.
"So hopefully I wake up tomorrow with a decent golf swing and a clearer head, and we'll go out there and try our best."
McIlroy, bidding for his fifth title in the tournament, birdied the 18th to stay just about in touch heading into the weekend.
The Masters champion signed for a 68, five shots better than his opening round.
"If I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I'll be right in the mix come Sunday," said McIlroy.
Shane Lowry, who agonisingly missed victory in the Dubai Invitational last week, is tied for 13th at three-under after a 71.
But world No 3 Tommy Fleetwood could only muster a 72 and made the cut on the number at one-over.