Shane Lowry produced a masterclass in difficult conditions to surge into a share of the lead at the Dubai Invitational, as overnight leader Rory McIlroy faltered during a challenging second round at Dubai Creek Resort. Lowry, alongside Spain's Nacho Elvira, carded a three-under-par 68, the lowest score of a windy Friday, to climb to the summit at five under par.
Lowry's Quality Shines Through in the Wind
The 38-year-old Irishman began the day three shots adrift of playing partner McIlroy but showcased superb iron play and nerveless putting to overhaul the world number two. Lowry's round of five birdies and two bogeys was a model of control in the blustery weather. "Very happy. It was hard. It was tricky," Lowry said after his round. He added that if he maintains this form and mindset for the season, he will be in a strong position.
Lowry, seeking his first DP World Tour title since his 2022 BMW PGA Championship victory, will now feature in the final group on Saturday. "The first tournament of the year you don't know what to expect," he noted. "So going out there in the last group now on Saturday is nice, and keep it going and we'll see what happens."
McIlroy's Struggles and a Crowded Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy, who held a one-shot lead overnight, found the going tough. The Northern Irishman could only manage two birdies against five bogeys in a three-over-par 74. His struggles were epitomised by finding the water four times during his round, including at the 17th hole, which led to back-to-back closing bogeys. He now sits in a tie for fifth at two under par, three shots behind the leaders.
Nacho Elvira matched Lowry's 68 to join him at the top, finishing strongly with four birdies in his last six holes. "I feel like off the tee I hit it really well," Elvira commented. "That's something I struggled with in the past and we made a couple changes, and I think it's paying off."
Who Else is in Contention?
The leaderboard remains tightly packed behind the co-leaders. England's Marcus Armitage and David Puig are tied for third at three under par. McIlroy finds himself in a group one shot further back at two under, alongside Thriston Lawrence, France's Antoine Rozner, and Angel Ayora. The windy conditions tested the entire field, setting the stage for a compelling weekend of golf in Dubai.
With the tournament finely poised, all eyes will be on whether Shane Lowry can convert his excellent form into a victory, or if Nacho Elvira can secure a notable win. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, faces a familiar challenge of mounting a weekend charge from just off the pace at the Dubai Creek Resort.
