Thongchai leads the way in Dubai
05 Feb 2010 - 16:13:49
Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee carded a bogey-free second round of 66 to claim a one-shot halfway lead at the Dubai Desert Classic.
World number four Lee Westwood fired a flawless 65 to head the chasing pack at seven under alongside early pacesetters Stephen Dodd and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Evergreen Spaniard Jimenez carded seven birdies in a 67, while Wales' Dodd remained in contention with a bogey-free 69.
World number 59 Thongchai, who posted two European Tour victories last season, said afterwards: "I played very consistently, it was a solid day.
"I hit 13 greens in regulation and missed just five fairways. I am very confident because my putting is getting better, that's why my game is getting better."
Defending champion Rory McIlroy (70), Edoardo Molinari (70), Alvaro Quiros (69), Australia's Marcus Fraser (68) and Charl Schwartzel (70) are all well placed at six under, with a two-shot gap to Paul Casey (71), Graeme McDowell (68) and Jeev Milkha Singh (72).