Shane Lowry believes that maintaining a positive attitude while playing could lead to a successful year, following his joint lead at the Dubai Invitational.

After ending the first day on two-under, Lowry carded a three-under 68 to level Spain’s Ignacio Elvira at the top of the leaderboard after the second round.

Lowry holed five birdies in the tricky conditions at Dubai Creek Resort, though world number two and first-round leader Rory McIlroy did not enjoy that same fate.

McIlroy found the water four times in his second round and carded five bogeys as his three-over 74 saw him drop to T5.

It was also a poor day for Tommy Fleetwood, whose five bogeys and one double bogey in a seven-over 78 saw him drop to T39 despite starting the day level with Lowry.

Lowry played alongside his good friend McIlroy, something which helped him while navigating the difficult conditions in Dubai.

“Very happy. It was hard. It was tricky,” Lowry told Sky Sports.

 

 

 

 

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“The first tournament of the year, you don't know what to expect. So going out there in the last group now on Saturday is nice, and keep it going and we'll see what happens.

“I do quite enjoy it, the artistry of moving the ball around and hitting different shots.

“We had a great group today. When you're out there having a bit of fun it's easier to play good golf so that attitude for the rest of the year and I'll be pretty good.”

England’s Marcus Armitage is two shots behind Lowry and Elvira, while David Puig is also tied third on three-under.

Angel Ayora, Antoine Rozner and Thriston Lawrence are all level with McIlroy on two-under in fifth.