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McIlroy and Bjorn set pace in Dubai
14:45, Feb 10 2012
Rory McIlroy and Thomas Bjorn, both former winners of the title, share the lead at the halfway stage of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
World number two McIlroy, whose first professional title came on the course three years ago, set the clubhouse target at 13 under par by adding a 65 to his opening 66. But 40-year-old Bjorn, who beat Tiger Woods head to head to lift the trophy in 2001 and did it with a tournament record score, then matched the Ulsterman's round and total.
Overnight pace-setter Rafael Cabrera-Bello is one back after a 69, while only two behind are world number four Martin Kaymer, whose 67 included his first-ever hole in one at the 186-yard seventh, Scotland's Scott Jamieson and Frenchman Gregory Bourdy.
World number three Lee Westwood is part of the chasing pack, three closing birdies giving him a 65 and 10 under aggregate. McIlroy turned in a four-under 33, but for the second day running missed an eagle chance of under 10 feet at the long 18th and then failed from five feet on the first.
Kaymer, out in 34, drew level with a birdie on the second, but by the time he came to the seventh he was three behind. While he three-putted the short fourth McIlroy birdied the long third, sixth and eighth.
The 22-year-old US Open champion told Sky Sports: "I just kept picking up birdies along the way and it puts me in a great position.
"I feel a lot more confident than I did in Abu Dhabi ."
He lost by one to Robert Rock there two weeks ago after incurring a two-shot penalty for brushing sand away from his line off the green.
Westwood shares seventh place with Kaymer's fellow German Marcel Siem and Scot Stephen Gallacher, who shot 65 a day after holing in one at the 15th.
American John Daly had an eventful time. A six on the long 10th and quadruple-bogey eight at the 12th put the former Open champion in severe danger of missing the cut, but he fought his way back to one under and had to wait to see if he had made it through.
Solskjaer not heading to Villa 22:45, May 22 2012
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled out of the running to become the new Aston Villa manager, Press Association Sport understands. more
Real is 'perfect challenge' for Mourinho 20:45, May 22 2012
Jose Mourinho believes the task of leading Real Madrid for the next four years represents "the perfect challenge" for the next stage of his coaching career after he signed a new deal with the club. more
Care bares his soul 18:45, May 22 2012
Danny Care is determined to repay the faith of those who stuck by him during a troubled season and inspire Harlequins to their first Aviva Premiership title. more
Hargreaves released by City 16:45, May 22 2012
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been released by Manchester City after his short-term deal expired. more
I won't stop tweeting - KP 15:45, May 22 2012
Kevin Pietersen has brushed off concerns his latest Twitter outburst could land him in trouble with the England and Wales Cricket Board and has no plans to tone down his comments on the micro-blogging site. more
Drogba to leave Chelsea 15:45, May 22 2012
Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea when his contract runs out at the end of June, the club have announced on their website. more
Haye rejects jibes from Klitschko camp 14:45, May 22 2012
David Haye has rubbished claims from Vitali Klitschko's manager that he is "afraid" of facing the Ukrainian heavyweight. more
Broad up to third in rankings 14:45, May 22 2012
Stuart Broad has achieved a career-best position in the latest ICC Player Rankings following his maiden 10-wicket haul in England's first Test victory over the West Indies, which concluded at Lord's on Monday. more
Mourinho extends Bernabeu stay 13:45, May 22 2012
Jose Mourinho has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which ties him to the club until 2016, the Primera Division champions have announced. more
Injury forces Leamy to hang up boots 12:45, May 22 2012
Denis Leamy has become the third Munster player this season to announce an early retirement due to injury. more
Fans' group challenge Liverpool owners 11:45, May 22 2012
Liverpool owners have been challenged to publicly explain their strategy for the club by a leading fans' group. more
Williams 'proud' of torch role 11:45, May 22 2012
Winter Olympics gold medallist Amy Williams said carrying the Olympic torch was an "amazing feeling". more
