DUBAI: An errant seven-iron into water at the last cost defending champion Rory McIlroy the early clubhouse lead in yesterday’s second round of the US$2.5 million Dubai Desert Classic.Out early in overcast, calm conditions, the 20-year-old Ulsterman, one of six overnight leaders after an opening 68, was rock steady through 17 holes on a course he relishes playing on.
He opened with seven straight pars from the 10th before unleashing a run of four birdies in a row on the back of a 25-footer putt at the 17th.
A missed four-footer for another birdie at the par-five third halted his charge, but he looked set to par his way in for the early clubhouse lead on day two only to hit a flyer from the rough into water at the ninth.
That led to a double-bogey and a two-under 70 leaving him six under for the tournament.
Playing partner, Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez parred the ninth for a 67 which saw him overtake McIlroy for the early day lead at seven under where he was shortly joined by Welshman Stephen Dodd who had a fine 69.
“Apart from that mistake at the last it was another good day’s work,” McIlroy said.
“Made a few birdies round the turn and could have made a few more. But six-under par isn’t too bad going into the weekend. Only one shot behind at the moment.”
The Irish prodigy is bidding to make history here by becoming the first man to defend the Desert Classic title in the 21-year long history of the Gulf’s premier tournament.
His win here last year was the first of his fledgling career and though he has yet to win another title, McIlroy is now firmly ensconced in the world top 10 as the youngest player in the elite group.
The 46-year-old Jimenez, who changed caddies after two poor weeks in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, had seven birdies against two bogeys to signal his return to top form.
“I hit it very solid and managed to hole a few putts,” he said.
Explaining his move to a new bagman, Jimenez said: “I felt like I needed to change from Henrik, the caddie, to him. He was a very nice guy, but I felt a little lonely on the golf course.
“Now I have this friend, he’s from Southh Africa, who is living here.”
The 44-year-old Dodd was bogey free in his round of 69 as he battled to record his first win on tour since the 2006 European Open.
Big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros joined McIlroy at six under at the halfway stage after also carding a 69 as did Australian Marcus Fraser with a 68 and Edoardo Molinari of Italy who had a 70.
Alexander Noren of Sweden and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa were both due out in the afternoon looking to at least match their opening round 68s.
There was a fine performance from US golf great Tom Watson who was making his debut in Dubai at the ripe old age of 60.
Last year’s British Open runner-up shot a fine two-under 70 and at one under for the tournament had a chance of making the cut. — AFP