Intro:

Three players - George Coetzee, Bernd Wiesberger and Branden Grace - were all tied at the top of the halfway stage of the Qatar Masters on Thursday (22nd January).

Script:

Very little wind but a few hidden pins made things a little trickier for the field on day two of the Qatar Masters.

Overnight leader Oliver Fisher fell away after a one-over par 73.

Henrik Stenson hit every green in regulation but his putter ran cold. Six off the lead at the halfway stage.

Justin Rose flirted with the cut - but a birdie at 15 and another at the last hole ensured he would be in the mix for the title.

Ernie Els could only manage an even par 72 but provided one of the highlights of the day on his last hole.

Sergio Garcia still has a chance to successfully defend his title - the Spaniard was not overly happy with his putting during round two, but still drained four birdies to help him to card a round of 69.

Three players share the lead though - George Coetzee fired a round of 67 on Thursday to take a share of the lead on nine under.

Bernd Wiesberger has continued his fine form into the Qatar Masters.

The Austrian nearly pitched in for an eagle at the first - but a round of 66 sees him on nine under.

Branden Grace is also on nine under par heading into the final two rounds.

The South African carded a round of 68.