Welsh golfer Bradley Dredge still led the Qatar Masters after the renowned gusts returned for the second round, but he had company.
Eight others caught him to create a nine-way tie for the lead, a European Tour record.
The last time nine players were tied on top was after the first round of the 1997 Wales Open, but this was the first time in Tour history so many led after 36 holes.
Dredge was the only one of the nine not to finish under par. His even-par-72 gave him a halfway total of eight-under-136.
The gusts made playing more difficult in the afternoon, and only three players from the afternoon groups - South Korea's Wang Jeunghun (67), South Africa's Jaco van Zyl (69) and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70) - managed to make a move.
Morning players including Spain's Jorge Campilo (67), South African Thomas Aiken (68) and England's Ryder Cup star Andy Sullivan (68) were all bogey-free for their rounds.
Finland's Mikko Kornohen, who shot a 65 in the opening round, also joined the leaders with a 71 that included a double bogey on the ninth hole. Another Spaniard, Nacho Alvira (69), completed the group.
Another seven players were one shot behind, and 10 players, including world No. 10 Alex Noren of Sweden (70) and Ernie Els (70) were two shots back.
The only Australian to make the cut in the field is Scott haned, who shot an even-par 72 to be three-under for the tournament, five shots off the pace.
New Zealand youngster Ryan Fox is one shot further back after a second round two-under 70.
