Patrick Reed holds a one-shot lead over Andy Sullivan at the Dubai Desert Classic after a second-round 66 that featured an eagle and four birdies. The American LIV golfer is seeking to improve on his runner-up finish three years ago. Sullivan posted the day's best round of 65, moving to eight under.

Rory McIlroy improved with a three-under 69, climbing to two under but sitting seven strokes off the lead. The four-time event champion remains confident, recalling his comeback from ten shots down to win in 2022. Italian duo Andrea Pavan and Francesco Molinari trail Sullivan by one shot.

The weekend setup features a crowded leaderboard with Nicolai Hojgaard at six under and Tyrrell Hatton among five players at five under. Shane Lowry sits three under. For McIlroy, a low Saturday round is crucial to rejoin the chase for a fifth Dubai title.