Antoine Rozner posted a second round 65 to move into the lead at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Frenchman, who has a good record in Dubai having won the 2020 Golf in Dubai Championship, leads by one on nine under par with a stacked leaderboard in pursuit, including nearest challengers Tyrrell Hatton and Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy one shot back.
Three-time DP World Tour winner Rozner was one under through his first eight holes, before catching fire from the ninth where he reeled off a trio of birdies, before adding another three in a row from the 14th to move into the 36-hole lead
Victory for Rozner on the Earth Course could also see him climb as high as second on the Race to Dubai and secure dual membership with the PGA TOUR for 2025.
McIlroy posted a three under 69, which could have been one better had a closing eagle putt not slid by, to strengthen his grip on the Harry Vardon Trophy.
The Northern Irishman was 4 under through seven holes of his second round and threatening to open a comprehensive lead, but bogeys at the eighth and tenth opened the door for Rozner to seize the advantage, with his closing birdie earning him a round of 69.
Hatton matched playing partner McIlroy’s round of 69, bouncing back from a bogey at the fourth with birdies at the sixth, eighth, tenth and 15th to remain in the mix with two rounds to play.
LIV golfer Joaquin Niemann sits in fourth place on seven under, Rasmus Højgaard, Shane Lowry and Jesper Svensson all posting 67s to join Keita Nakajima in a tie for fifth on six under.
Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace and last week’s winner in Abu Dhabi, Paul Waring are a shot further back in tied ninth.
