Ragged Rory McIlroy round sees Shane Lowry share Dubai Invitational lead

McIlroy, who led after an opening five-under-par at Dubai Creek Resort, found water at the sixth, 14th and 17th holes as he had to settle for a 74 in the second circuit on Friday.

Leaving him on two-under-par, McIlroy trails both Lowry and Spaniard Nacho Elvira by three strokes after they both carded 68s in tricky conditions in the UAE.

McIlroy, who finished joint-second behind Tommy Fleetwood in the event’s inaugural edition two years ago, was also close to having to take a penalty drop at the par-4 18th after his second shot finished in rocks bordering the green.

The Masters champion needed all his skill to avoid a potential disaster but was unable to save par from 13 feet, allowing Lowry and Elvira to benefit from a six-shot swing over the course of the day.

‘It was tricky ...I did a good job’

“Yeah, very happy,” admitted Lowry, who was in the same group as McIlroy for the opening 36 holes. “It was hard. It was tricky. You know, like that putt on the last hole, you don't hole a lot of putts like that, and I did well. I did a good job. A couple sloppy mistakes on the front nine, but I was playing good and giving myself chances.”

On a day without a bogey-free round, the 68s from Lowry and Elvira were the best scores and left them with a two-shot lead over Englishman Marcus Armitage and Spaniard David Puig.

“First tournament of the year you don't know what to expect,” added Lowry. “So going out there in the last group now on Saturday is nice. Yeah, keep it going and we'll see what happens.”

Grant Forrest, who finished his opening round with a triple-bogey 7, hauled himself back into contention with a 70 to sit in a ninth on one under alongside Connor Syme (74).

Dubai-resident Ewen Ferguson also signed for a 70 to reach the mid-point on par, two shots ahead of Calum Hill after he was two under for the day early on before having to settle for a 74.