Matt Fitzpatrick has remained on course to edge out Rory McIlroy to win the DP World Tour Rankings on Sunday.
The pair are both participating at the end-of-season DP World Tour Championship in Dubai with McIlroy holding a big lead heading into the event.
However, at the halfway stage, Fitzpatrick is joint-leader of the tournament alongside Tyrrell Hatton and McIlroy is only in a share of 11th position.
As it stands, Fitzpatrick, the US Open champion, would claim the title, but 36 holes still remain at the Jumeirah Golf Estates.
A seven-shot gap currently separates Fitzpatrick and McIlroy, although the Northern Irishman is only four shots adrift of third spot.
Fitzpatrick and Hatton both produced first-round scores of 65, and they matched each other again on Friday with a pair of 67s.
.@McIlroyRory closing out his second round in style 🚀#DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/eMhoSuQgwG
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 18, 2022
While Fitzpatrick recorded the cleaner round, posting just one bogey in comparison to Hatton's three, they will each be delighted with their efforts ahead of Saturday's play.
As far as McIlroy is concerned, the world number one was in much better form than on Thursday, concluding his round with birdie, birdie and an eagle at the last.
Jon Rahm also enjoyed an improved second 18 holes, following Thursday's 70 with a 66 that has catapulted him into a share of fifth position.
Alex Noren and Adri Arnaus are the players in closest proximity to Fitzpatrick and Hatton, despite only shooting 69 and 68 respectively.
Tommy Fleetwood, the winner of last week's Nedbank Challenge, is in contention in a tie for eighth and five shots off the lead.
Darren Plant
