Former champion Alvaro Quiros made the most of being back at a happy hunting ground as he shot a second-round 66 to head into the weekend at the 2023 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in a strong position.
Spaniard Quiros, who won this event in 2009, rolled back the years on Friday as he made seven birdies and two bogeys in 27 holes, with many players forced to catch up in the morning following weather disruption on Thursday.
After signing for a first-round 70 bright and early, the 40-year-old opened his second round with back-to-back birdies at the first and second before giving a shot back on the par-three third.
He made further gains at the seventh and tenth before closing his round with three birdies in the last five holes to reach eight under par.
The seven-time DP World Tour winner admitted he was just happy to make the cut after struggling for form so far in 2023.
He said: "To be honest, it’s a golf course that I like, probably the one I like the most in the Middle East.
"I’ve won the Race to Dubai final, the Dubai Desert Classic, but this one was always my favourite.
"It adjusts better to my eye, but to be honest I’m so happy just making the cut, I’m very pleased to say I’ve made another cut.
"I keep working very hard and the driving range looks better, but on the course it’s not even close to the level I’m showing on the driving range.
"Sometimes it’s very frustrating, most of the time it’s very frustrating but these two days have rewarded me a little bit."