Veteran South African Ernie Els has surged into contention at the Dubai Desert Classic, while world No.2 Rory McIlroy struggled just to make the cut.
The 46-year-old Els, who has dropped to 205th in the world after struggling with yips over the past year, shot a 5-under 67 to move to within one shot of the lead at the halfway stage of a tournament he has won three times.
Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello, winner here in 2012, shot his second consecutive 67 to grab a one-stroke lead heading into the weekend.
Australia's Brett Rumford failed to replicate his outstanding first round with two-under par 70 but is still only three shots off the pace.
Tasmania's Scott Hend carded a four-under-par 68 - and along with Australian PGA champion Nathan Holman is five under-par, with Wade Ormsby a further shot adrift.
Marcus Fraser and Andrew Dodt missed the cut.
Els, who was tied with compatriot Trevor Fisher Jr and England's Danny Willett at nine-under, made several crucial par putts to keep a bogey-free round.
"It's an exact turnaround from a couple weeks ago where I was dreading to get on the greens," he said.
"I'm actually enjoying it on the greens. The surfaces are just unbelievable and I've got a lot more confidence in the stroke and in the setup and all of that stuff. It has almost got a smile out of me right now."
Defending champion McIlroy shot a 72 to finish at 4-under 140 after two rounds, six shots off the lead. He had three birdies in his last three holes.
"I struggled in the wind a little bit and didn't get off to the best of starts again," McIlroy said.
"Being two-over through four on this golf course when you have a couple of good birdie chances wasn't great."
"The middle of the round was tough," he added. "There were a few holes that were playing really tough, and I struggled on those, but I bounced back well and persevered and got something out of the round in the end. I just need to make sure I get off to a fast start tomorrow."
Cabrera-Bello, who had just one bogey in his first 36 holes, credited his putter for his strong showing Friday.
"I mean, today has been a little bit of a different round to yesterday," the Spaniard said. "Yesterday, I really felt I played great until the green. I gave myself lots of chances.
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