Overnight joint-leader Justin Harding claimed the outright clubhouse lead in the second round of the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic after a host of potential challengers failed to capitalise on perfect conditions at Emirates Golf Club on Friday morning.

Starting the day seven-under par following a grandstand opening round of 65 on Thursday, Harding carded a steady four-under par round of 68 – including a magnificent eagle on the Par 4 15^th hole – to reach the clubhouse with a three-shot lead at11-under par.

“I’ve played this golf course well over the years. Had a good final round a couple years back and was in contention last year and played badly on the Sunday. My game seems to be close. Just a matter if I can control the putter and make some putts, we are always going to be there and thereabouts, which is nice,” said Harding.

With Harding bidding to become only the third South African to lift the famous Dallah Trophy, compatriot Erik Van Rooyen, the World No.63, fired a 67 to finish three strokes behind his fellow countryman. Van Rooyen threatened to finish even closer to Hardingbefore a sole bogey on the iconic par-four 8^thspoiled the 40-year-old’s otherwise blemish-free card.

“It’s what we play for, right, to be in contention, especially in these Rolex Series events. I’m happy that the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic is one as well, and can’t wait for Sunday,” he said.

Van Rooyensits at eight-under par alongside Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti, who carded a two-under par round of 70following an impressive 66 on Thursday.

After carding an opening round of three-under par 69, Richard Bland was on course to set the early morning pace before a late collapse saw the Englishman card a double-bogey and bogey on the final two holes. Posting a second round of 68, Bland– who become the oldest-ever first-time winner of a DP World Tour event when he clinched the British Masters at The Belfry in 2021 –is in the chasing pack at seven-under alongside World No. five Viktor Hovland and Denmark’s Joachim B. Hanson, who began the day as joint-leader.

Following an opening round of two-under par, defending champion Paul Casey is poised to challengeat six-under aftera second-round score of 68.“I made some mistakes and I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent. I tweaked my neck and I’m not physically right, but I’m not unhappy. I’m actually quite happy that I did a good job of managing and getting round,” said Casey.

Casey’s compatriot Lee Westwood, who has never won on the Majlis Course, posted a second consecutive round of 69 to join Casey and fellow countrymen Richard Armitage and Tommy Fleetwood on six-under par.

Elsewhere, fans of all ages are making the most of free entry to the event by experiencing a cacophony of family-friendly food and entertainment offerings available in a buzzing Tournament Town, which is open until 11pm daily though to Sunday. From Pinza to Wok Boyz, Stuffed Burger, Moshi and more, some of the city’s favourite food trucks are laying on everything from pizzas to shawarmas, poke bowls to wings. To complement the food options, a series of fun activations test fans’ golf game and keep kids entertained, while some of the city’s most talented local performers are entertaining the masses with music and more.

The Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will continue its commitment to breast cancer awareness on Pink Saturday, with players, caddies, officials and fans encouraged to wear something pink for the worthwhile cause. Held in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, Pink Saturday will see Tournament Town raise the stakes with a ‘best dressed’ competition and spot prizes for spectators. In addition, visitors are encouraged to post images of a special flower display to their social media channels to further raise awareness.

Entry to the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic is completely free; visit slyncdubaidesertclassic.com or ticketmasteruae.ae to register.