Graeme McDowell achieved the early boost he was hoping for when the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World resumed on another hot day in the desert.
Five shots behind Martin Kaymer after a level par opening 72 in the final event of the year-long race to be crowned Europe's Number One, McDowell sank a 12 foot birdie putt on the long second.
A shorter chance was not seized, however, on the 452 yard third - the hole where Race to Dubai leader Kaymer sank a seven iron for an eagle two in his first day 67.
McDowell cannot afford to finish worse than third on Sunday to have a chance of pipping his Ryder Cup team-mate and fellow Major winner.
But Kaymer was the one in third place overnight, two strokes behind leader Robert Karlsson and seeking the top two finish that could see him dethrone Lee Westwood as World Number One as well.
With the back-markers out first it was Irishman Peter Lawrie who made the best start to the second round, going to the turn in 32 and then picking up further birdies on the tenth and 15th to improve from four over par to two under.
Luke Donald was on the same mark after a front nine 33 and then birdies at the tenth and 11th.
McDowell made two on the short sixth for the second day running and a third birdie of the day on the 572 yard seventh meant he had climbed from 25th to seventh already.
His duel with Kaymer, now only two ahead of him, was very definitely back on.
There was an even bigger crowd with his compatriot Rory McIlroy - and they were rewarded when he and playing partner Francesco Molinari birdied the first three holes.
They were up to four under and in a tie for fourth with Thai Thongchai Jaidee.
