Three-time DP World Tour victor Ewen Ferguson the halfway leader in Dubai after remarkable final hole; defending champion Rory McIlroy nine adrift; watch the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf,

For a spell on Friday afternoon the organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic had cause for panic. Jon Rahm had already tumbled out of the tournament after 36 holes, Viktor Hovland was heading the same way and Rory McIlroy was dangerously close to the cut line.

Rory McIlroy believes he still has a "decent chance" of defending his Hero Dubai Desert Classic crown despite being eight shots behind leader Ewen Ferguson.

Ewen Ferguson took the spotlight at the Dubai Desert Classic, leading after the second round. Ranked No. 141, Ferguson edged ahead after an advantageous shot at the 18th hole. Meanwhile, top-ranked stars Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland missed the cut,

Rory McIlroy is not playing at the level we have come to expect, but has precedence to lean on at the Hero Desert Dubai Classic.

Rory McIlroy struggled with a cold putter but believes he can still win a record fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic and his third in a row.

McIlroy charged from 10 shots behind last year and will need a repeat performance if he is to win tournament for a third year in a row

Dubai-based Scot Ewen Ferguson leads way on 12 under while Jon Rahm’s struggles cause a surprise after dismal 77.