Defending champion Martin Kaymer took over at the top from South African Charl Schwartzel midway through the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The Race to Dubai and US PGA Championship winner started with five birdies in the first seven holes of his second round to sit ten under.
Chasing his second successive victory after winning last week's Joburg Open, Schwartzel had earlier added a 71 to his initial 64.
Northern Ireland's US Open Champion Graeme McDowell (70) stood eight under with Swede Alex Noren, while Rory McIlroy shot 67 for six under and last year's Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, in a sudden return to form, returned a 69 for five under.
World Number One Lee Westwood had improved to four under after seven holes, but Masters Tournament champion Phil Mickelson bogeyed the last and with a 70 slipped to three under.
Despite wind and rain Kaymer continued to lead by adding a superb 65 to his opening 67 - and now looks poised to replace Tiger Woods as World Number Two. He needs only a top seven finish for that.
