Shane Lowry moved into a share of the lead at the Dubai Invitational after a three-under 68 in windy conditions, while Rory McIlroy slipped three shots back following an eventful second round that included four water hazards. Lowry’s round at Dubai Creek Resort was the joint lowest of the day alongside Spain's Ignacio Elvira, who also sits at five under par.
McIlroy, who started the day with a one-shot advantage, carded a 74 with two birdies and five bogeys, dropping into a tie for fifth alongside Thriston Lawrence, Antoine Rozner and Angel Ayora on two under. The world number two hit water at four different holes during his round.
Lowry, seeking his first DP World Tour title since the 2022 BMW PGA Championship, displayed strong iron play and putting to overhaul his playing partner. “Very happy. It was hard. It was tricky,” Lowry said. “If I play golf like that for the rest of the season in that frame of mind, I'll be pretty good.”
Elvira, who birdied four of his last six holes, said, “I feel like off the tee I hit it really well. That's something I struggled with in the past and we made a couple changes, and I think it's paying off.” Englishman Marcus Armitage and Spain's David Puig share third place on three under.
Pádraig Harrington and Tom McKibbin are tied for 39th on five over, ten shots off the lead, after rounds of 75 and 73 respectively. The tournament continues through the weekend at Dubai Creek Resort.
