12 February,2011 07:33 AM IST | | AFP
Tiger Woods had the round of the day at the Dubai Desert Classic yesterday, but it was Ulster's Golden Boy Rory McIlroy who held on to the lead at the halfway stage of the Gulf's showcase tournament. Woods produced his best golf of the year for a six under 66 to bound into contention for a first title in 15 months.
USA's Tiger Woods plays a shot at the first hole during the second round
of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai yesterday.
Pics/Getty Images
He will go into the weekend on seven under par, four strokes shy of McIlroy who added a 68 to his opening blast of 65 to stand at 11 under.
In second place a stroke off the lead is back-to-form Sergio Garcia who came in with a second straight 67.
He is level with South Africa's Thomas Aiken, who has had identical scores to the Spaniard. Playing alongside the two men ahead of him in the rankings, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, the World No 3 Woods looked comfortable and relaxed as he took advantage of perfect morning playing conditions.
u00a0He rolled in six birdies, all from within fairly comfortable putting range. "I've played myself right back in the tournament," he said "I cleaned up the round. I didn't make as many mistakes as I did yesterday and I think I hit the ball a little better today." Woods' score bettered the two three-under 69s he returned two weeks ago in the first two rounds at Torrey Pines in California.u00a0He opened his year there, with a disappointing tie for 44th place in the US PGA Tour event.
