Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand shot a 6-under 66 to take the outright
second-round lead at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday.
The 40-year-old former Thai army paratrooper made the most of
calm cool second-day conditions to make six birdies.
Jaidee reached 8 under and holds a one-shot lead from Lee
Westwood of England, Stephen Dodd of Wales and Miguel Angel Jimenez
of Spain.
Jaidee has four career wins on the European Tour, including
the Indonesia Open and the Ballantine's Championship in 2009.
A double bogey at the last left Rory McIlroy of Northern
Ireland on 70, among a group of five players at 6 under, two shots
behind Jaidee.
Jaidee is hopeful of qualifying for the Masters in April but
to do so needs to raise his No. 59 ranking into the top 50.
In 2006, Jaidee missed the cut at Augusta after shooting 78
and 75 and after overcoming a serious back injury sustained two
years ago he wants a second chance to set his Masters record
straight.
"When I went to Augusta first time I was not familiar with
the place," he said. "I didn't know those greens. I three-putted
seven times and had one four-putt. I would like to get that right."
Holding on to the lead in Dubai would go some way toward that
goal.
"I have played well here in Dubai in the past and had a
top-five finish here when Tiger Woods won in 2006.
"I am driving the ball well, hitting my irons well and having
worked hard on my putting it is improving. That's what I need here
and for the Masters."
Westwood, in the three-man chasing pack a shot back, has
played in the Desert Classic since 1994 and hopes to add to his
list of 20 career victories.
He produced seven birdies in a round of 65 which represented
his lowest score in 50 competitive rounds at the Emirates Golf
Club.
"I have probably had the hardest of conditions over the first
two days with morning-afternoon starts and to come out at the right
end of that is a big boost to my confidence," Westwood said.
Jimenez added a 67 to his opening 70 to get into a share of
second place while Dodd shot a 69 to follow his first-round 68.
