World number 527 Els shoots 65 to fight against Desert Classic
Els won his first European Tour title 25 years ago at Emirates Golf Club Dubai, second-round leaderboard-12: B DeChambeau (USA), L Herbert (Aus); -11: E Els (SA), A Quiros (Spa); -10: M Wallace, C Shinkwin, Scrivener (Aus), H Li (Chn), M Pavon (Fra) Other selected: -9: M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -8: B Dredge (Wal), S Lowry (Ire), S Garcia (Spa); -7: L Westwood (Eng); -6: T Fleetwood, I Poulter
World number 527 Ernie Els introduced himself for a first victory since 2013 with a seven-under-par round of 65 at the Dubai Desert Classic.
The quadruple big winner scored seven birds and an eagle to reach 11 below, a shot from the leader after 36 holes.
"I am swinging well, my body feels good, you know, I am going out of the memory bank," said Els, 49.
The Spanish Alvaro Quiros is also eleven years old, with the American Bryson DeChambeau and the Australian Lucas Herbert at 12 younger
World number five DeChambeau has fired back-to-back rounds of 66 and is looking for a fourth victory during his last nine events.
His card was damaged on Friday by three bogeys, but an eagle and seven birdies – one following a beautiful iron from a dirt road to leave a short putt on the sixth – repaired the damage.
The 25-year-old has five PGA Tour victories but never has wo after the European Tour title
"I thought yesterday it was getting around and no bogey making was great, but today it was even more impressive with three bogeys on the card and still six under shoot, "said the American Ryder Cup player
Els said he expects a score of about 20-under-par will be needed to complete the tournament winning, claimed by China & # 39; s Li Haotong – which is only two shots of the leash – in 2018.
The location of the Emirates Golf Club is where Els launched his first European Tour 25 years ago. title won. The South African is nine months away from qualifying for the Champions Tour, but the victory on Sunday would ensure his success in the 29th European Tour.
"I like this place, I've had great times here," said Els, who last won in 2013 at the BMW International Open of the European Tour.
"I have had a good time, I have been a professional for a long time and I have a year earlier I am 50. I am only 50 in October so I will try to have a good year this year and just try to enjoy it.
"I think it might play a bit harder on the weekend and in the afternoon when the wind comes. But I still think just to keep the foot on the pedal, try to make some birds. There is still a lot of work to be done. "
Matt Wallace of England shot a sensational eight-under par-round to get into battle on 10-under along with compatriot Callum Shinkwin, while Matt Fitzpatrick – who led after the first round – ended two under on day two and sits at nine below.
Wales Bradley Dredge, Shane Lowry of Ireland and Jordan Smith of England are all eight under.
