The Qatar Masters appears set for another thrilling finish with a trio of golfers sharing the lead after the second round.
South Africans George Coetzee and Branden Grace, along with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, were on top on nine-under-par 135 on Thursday for a one-shot advantage over Argentinian Emiliano Grillo, South Korean An Byeong-hun and Scot Marc Warren.
Coetzee, winner of the Joburg Open late last year, shot a steady 67 in another day of calm conditions at the Doha Golf Club, while Wiesberger carded a 66 before Grace caught up with them with a 68.
Another shot back on 137 were former winner Darren Fichardt of South Africa, Australian Richard Green and Spaniard Alejandro Canizares, while overnight leader Oliver Fisher was on 138 with 11 others, including defending champion Sergio Garcia who won last year in a playoff with Finn Mikko Ilonen.
Ilonen, however, missed the cut this time along with Frenchman Gary Stal, the winner in Abu Dhabi last week.
Wiesberger, who started on the 10th hole, picked up five shots over his first seven holes, including four straight gains.
His only blemish was at the par four seventh but he compensated by ending with a birdie four for an impressive round of six under.
Coetzee, too, fared better on his outward nine, making four gains, but also had a bogey at the fifth hole for a second day.
"I'm playing well. My swing is coming along slightly and I'm putting pretty nicely," said Coetzee.
"I've just got to wait for my birdies and not force it and kind of play the golf course like I know it."
Wiesberger, who shared sixth place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last week, said: "I think I've worked on the right things the last couple of weeks and it shows."
Grace, who has won five times on the European Tour, including this year's Alfred Dunhill championship, dropped a shot on the 14th hole but otherwise played steadily to put himself in contention.
"I got a little unlucky with a couple of putts, missed a 3-footer on the 10th and I didn't really make anything after that. Still close to the top and things like that, so still in a good position for the weekend."
