Ryder Cup heroes Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer moved into a share of the halfway lead with Marcus Fraser and Ricardo Santos at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Garcia was at his ball-striking best as he produced the round of the day – an excellent six under par 66 – as the notorious winds that have in the past so often defended the Doha Golf Club with distinction picked up as the day progressed.
Indeed, the Spaniard could have taken the outright lead, but his birdie attempt on the 18th green stayed above ground. Still, Garcia was delighted to join the lead in this, his first appearance of 2013.
“It was nice to shoot a good round today and put myself in a position” said Garcia. I played a little bit better than yesterday, so I am very happy with it. It was a little bit tougher today and the wind definitely made it tougher than yesterday.
“You want to get your hands on every trophy you play for but this game doesn’t really work like that. But it would be special to get my hands on this trophy because I usually always start my year here, so that only tells you and shows you how much I enjoy it here and how much I like it.”
Kaymer was another man enjoying himself in Doha, the German posting a second round of 67 to join the nine under lead.
“I played a lot better than the last few rounds I have played, especially in Abu Dhabi last week,” said Kaymer. “I think nine under is a good position to be in and I am in with a good chance to contend on Saturday. I am here to win, but I will be happy if I can give myself a chance in the final round.”
Fraser and first round leader Santos posted respective scores of 67 and 71 to force a four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard, with five players a further shot back.