Rory McIlroy is confident he has a chance of winning the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic following his battling three-under second round.
The World Number Two carded his first over-par round at this event since the final round of the 2014 edition when he signed for a 73 on Thursday.
He was made to work to get in the red numbers with six birdies and three bogeys as he reached two under for the tournament, seven shots behind old adversary Patrick Reed.
McIlroy has four victories at Emirates Golf Club and has not finished outside the top ten since missing the cut in 2008.
Two years ago, McIlroy was ten shots adrift of another American leader Cameron Young before shooting a 63 on Moving Day to cut the deficit and eventually seal a one-shot triumph over Adrian Meronk.
Those memories came flooding back when McIlroy spoke to the media after his second-round 69, he said: "I felt like I did pretty well.
"I think as we started out there wasn't a ton of wind, but as we got to the back nine, the wind picked up and greens are getting firm, and it's tricky out there.
"So you have to pick-and-choose your spots when to be aggressive, try and take advantage of the par fives, and I felt like I did a pretty good job of that. I hit a lot of good shots today. I hit a lot of good putts that didn't go in.
"But overall, you know, it was an improvement on yesterday, and at least give myself a half a chance going into the weekend.
"I have a tee time tomorrow, and hopefully shoot a good one and get right back in contention.
"I think I came from ten behind a couple years ago to win. I think I'm seven back at the minute.
"If I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I'll be right in the mix come Sunday."
Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton admitted he was surprised to be contention following a roller coaster Friday.
The Englishman mixed four bogeys and three bogeys after 12 holes, but a chip-in at the 15th sparked a revival, which included an eagle at the 17th and a closing birdie, to finish at five under, four adrift of Reed.
"I feel like I did well in my scrambling, and yeah, obviously the finish helps a lot." Hatton said.
"I'm, what, four back going into the weekend? It's in a decent position, considering I don't feel like I've played anywhere near what I'm capable of.
"So hopefully I wake up tomorrow with a decent golf swing and a clearer head, and we'll go out there and try our best."
The highlight of his round was his hole-out eagle at the par-four penultimate hole.
Hatton was 36 yards from the pin when he placed his chip into the heart of green before the ball rolled into the cup for the eagle two.
"Holing out on 17 was cool," he added. "The fact that even Rory was impressed shows it was a good shot. Yeah, that was definitely a bonus."
