Dubai: Rafael Cabrera-Bello birdied the last to jump a stroke clear of Ernie Els, Danny Willett and Trevor Fisher, to go 10 under par with a second 67 at the half way stage of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Friday.
The Spaniard shot four birdies and a bogey on his front nine before two birdies to first equal and then overtake the pack for a solo lead right at the death.
Having won here in 2012, Cabrera-Bello said he had confidence for the weekend but wouldn’t be getting too carried away.
“I think it helps me more, having won here before, it’s a bonus,” said the 31-year-old, who finished tied for second in Qatar last week and tied for 14th in Abu Dhabi the week before. “When I’m out there and it gets to the point of the last few holes on Sunday that I have a chance to win, I will know that I’ve done it before, so I can do it again, especially here.
“What really makes a difference is knowing that my game is good and I’m confident after the past two good weeks and one really good finish. That has a higher leverage for me.
“But it doesn’t change anything. I know I’m leading but it’s just by a shot and there’s a huge chasing pack of really great players. So I know I’m leading now but I don’t feel like I have much to say. I still have to go at it, probably by the time I tee off tomorrow [Saturday], I won’t be leading, so that’s the way I look at it.”
