Portrush's Graeme McDowell carded a second round 67 at the Qatar Open to sit just five shots off the lead set by Brett Rumford of Australia.
McDowell moved well up the field, birdying two of his last four holes as he finished strongly.
A 69 leaves Welshman Bradley Dredge just below Rumford, and Lee Westwood a shot shy of that again.
A 74 from Gareth Maybin, including a birdie at the last, leaves him one over for the tournament, while it was a disappointing 72 for Michael Hoey of Belfast.
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