England's Ryder Cup duo Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood roared into the lead at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World, but Graeme McDowell's bid to become Europe's Number One suffered another setback.
From needing "a big weekend" after a level par opening 72 at Jumeirah Golf Estates the Northern Irishman now needs a huge one after adding only a 73.
Only a top three finish will give McDowell a chance of overtaking Martin Kaymer in the last week of the year-long race, but he was down in 44th place as he spoke afterwards.
And to make matters worse Kaymer was in a tie for fifth on six under after nine holes of his second round, just two behind new leaders Westwood and Fisher.
"I was just very quick to lose patience with myself," said McDowell, who after climbing from 25th to sixth spot with three birdies in the first seven holes bogeyed four of the next seven.
"I don't think I have a huge amount in the tank and I'm finding it tough to scramble.
"There are enough good shots in there to give myself a chance, but I'm getting frustrated very quickly.
"Ken (his caddie Ken Comboy) said he had never seen me like that and maybe this is one step too far." This is his fifth week in a row.
"I had three three-putts yesterday and from the middle of the eighth fairway with an eight iron I missed the green and then did the same on the ninth.
"Just simple, stupid mistakes - the sign of a man whose head is not very sharp.
"But I'm going to give it 100 per cent - everything I have left - and it's not over. Two 65s now are not out of the question."
The US Open Championship winner was reminded that at The Celtic Manor Wales Open in June he only just made the cut, then shot 64-63 to win by three.
But he admits the Earth Course, where he came only 30th last year, frustrates "the life out of me" and it does not look good.
Kaymer is odds-on therefore to take The Race to Dubai crown, but becoming World Number One looks a whole lot tougher.
Westwood is the man ahead of him there and this week's defending champion birdied the first three holes, turned in 32 and then started for home with another birdie to catch Fisher.
Ian Poulter was playing with Westwood and he birdied the first four holes to share top spot with overnight pacesetter Robert Karlsson.
But Poulter had to settle for pars on the next eight and he and Karlsson were a stroke behind.
When Fisher pitched to six feet on the par five last and made it he had equalled Westwood's year-old course record.
He also moved into a one shot lead over his countryman at nine under, with Poulter alone in third at seven under after Karlsson bogeyed the tenth, and Kaymer now lying joint fourth.
Poulter joined Fisher out in front again with another birdie on the short 17th, and by parring the last had yet to drop a shot in the tournament.
They were a stroke ahead of Westwood, who also made two at the 17th, while Kaymer was two back with two to play.
