Ernie Els continued his love affair with the Omega Dubai Desert Classic as the three-time winner moved into the lead on day two at Emirates Golf Club.
The South African won here in 1994, 2002 and 2005 and is the only man to have lifted the trophy three times, but his record goes far beyond that.
He set the course record with a 61 on day one of that 1994 victory and is an aggregate 176 under par for his 53 completed rounds on the Majlis Course to date, having only been over par on seven occasions and never at the end of the tournament.
He came into day two four under par, two behind overnight leader Alex Noren, but moved to seven under at the turn as he birdied the 13th for the second day running and then made an eagle from 15 feet on the 18th.
A further birdie followed on the third and the 46 year old was eight under after 12 holes, one clear of Joost Luiten.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a positive start to his season with two top tens in his three events so far and, after starting on the tenth, made the turn in 33 thanks to birdies on the tenth, 13th, 14th and 15th.
Danny Willett, who had a remarkable piece of luck yesterday when he saw his ball bounce out of water and on to dry land, was making the most of his good fortune and birdied the tenth, 13th, 14th and first to get to six under through 11 holes.
Playing partner Chris Wood was also six under after birdies on the 14th, 16th and 17th, alongside Bernd Wiesberger, who was two under for his round, and Noren, who was among the later starters.
