Adrian Meronk was pleased to close his second round with a brilliant birdie to head into the weekend at the 2022 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in a strong position.
The 28-year-old Pole began the day two shots off the lead and carded five birdies and three bogeys on Friday to set the early clubhouse target at eight under.
While he was eventually caught and overtaken by Pablo Larrazábal, Meronk finds himself just one shot back with two rounds to go.
Starting from the tenth tee, Meronk birdied his opening two holes before dropping his first shot of the day at the 12th.
He got back among the birdies at the 14th and added another on the 18th to reach the turn in 33 blows and get to nine under.
Meronk had to hang on after making bogeys at the third and seventh and was able to produce a closing birdie from 17 feet as he signed for a battling 70.
Meronk, who is searching for his maiden DP World Tour title, was pleased with his day's work.
He said: "I got off to a good start, all was going well and then I slowed down a bit in the middle of the round but I got a good birdie on the last and overall the result is very satisfying.
“It was nice this morning, it wasn’t as hot but the wind picked up straight away so it was tricky, but I played solid.
“We had to adapt today because the wind was from completely the other direction and much stronger. We changed strategies and did a good job. It wasn’t as good as yesterday but I think it’s playing tougher."
