Rory McIlroy remains optimistic of winning the Dubai Desert Classic for the third time in four years despite finding himself seven shots adrift of the lead. 

After carding his first over-par round at the event since the final round of the 2014 edition, McIlroy carded a three-under 69 at Emirates Golf Club to take him to two under overall. 

Patrick Reed leads Andy Sullivan by one shot heading into the third day, with the American registering a second-round 66 to move to the top of the leaderboard at nine under par.

Overnight leader Francesco Molinari and compatriot Andrea Pavan were two shots off the lead, while Nicolai Hojgaard birdied five holes on the back nine to sit in sixth. 

McIlroy does, however, have a good record in Dubai. He has four wins at this venue and has not finished outside of the top ten since missing the cut in 2008. 

The Northern Irishman was also 10 shots adrift of Cameron Young in 2024, but shot 63 on Moving Day to cut the deficit before sealing a one-shot triumph over Adrian Meronk. 

"I felt I did pretty well," McIlroy reflected. "Conditions got trickier as the day went on.

"As we got to the back nine, the wind picked up and greens are getting firm, so you have to pick-and-choose your spots when to be aggressive, when to attack the par-fives.

"I gave myself plenty of opportunities. I didn't take maybe as many as I wanted to but I'm sure everyone in the field feels that way.

"I think I came from 10 behind a couple years ago to win, so of I go out on Saturday in slightly better conditions and post a low one, then I'll be right in the mix come Sunday."

How it stands at the halfway stage in Dubai #HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/WEJhkv50wD

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Elsewhere, defending champion Tyrrell Hatton was surprised to still be in contention following a rollercoaster round on Friday. 

He mixed four birdies and as many bogeys after 12 holes, but a chip-in at the 15th sparked a revival, which included an eagle at the 17th and a closing birdie.  

He finished at five under, four adrift of Reed, and said: "I feel like I did well in my scrambling, and yeah, obviously the finish helps a lot.

"I'm, what, four back going into the weekend? It's in a decent position, considering I don't feel like I've played anywhere near what I'm capable of.

"So hopefully I wake up tomorrow with a decent golf swing and a clearer head, and we'll go out there and try our best."