NY Times · Feb 5, 2016
Els Moves Into Contention in Dubai; McIlroy Just Makes Cut
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Ernie Els surged into contention Friday at the Dubai Desert Classic, while Rory McIlroy struggled just to make the cut.
The 46-year-old Els, who has dropped to 205th in the world after struggling with yips over the past year, shot a 5-under 67 to move to within one shot of the lead at the halfway stage of a tournament he has won three times.
Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello, winner here in 2012, shot his second consecutive 67 to grab a one-stroke lead heading into the weekend.
Els, who was tied with compatriot Trevor Fisher Jr. and England's Danny Willett at 9-under, made several crucial par putts to keep a bogey-free round.