Tyrrell Hatton was looking to ride momentum all the way into the history books after carding a 66 to sit just two shots off the lead heading into the weekend at the 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.
The Englishman has three top tens at Emirates Golf Club and arrived in Dubai off the back of another at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last week.
He also has four Rolex Series titles to his name and knows that claiming another one this week will see him move ahead of Jon Rahm on the all-time list for victories in the DP World Tour's blue riband events.
The 30-year-old bogeyed his first hole on day two in the desert but responded with four birdies in a row before adding another three on the back nine, and he is hoping to carry that momentum into the weekend.
"Obviously happy with that," he said. "I didn't get off to a great start with a bogey on the first hole but battled back from there and played a lot of good golf today and hope that can continue into the weekend.
"I gave myself plenty of opportunities most of the day and putted lovely. Holed a couple of good par putts when I needed to and momentum was on my side today.
"I've had good results in the past and the course has been pretty good to me over the years and played pretty well last week. Game feels like it's in a pretty good spot, so we'll see how we go.
"It would be pretty special to win this tournament. I remember when I was at school, waking up early in the morning to start watching it and it's always been a tournament that growing up I wanted to play in.
"I think this is my eighth time here and the event has been pretty kind to me with some pretty good finishes over the years. Hoping I can have a strong weekend and add to that."
