Good fun
Danny Willett said he has not been losing sleep over his duel in the desert with Rory McIlroy, terming their battle for the Race to Dubai title “good fun”. Starting the week No 2 in the standings and knowing he has to better what McIlroy manages around the Earth Course this week to overhaul him at the top, he reached the halfway point of the competition on Friday two shots behind the Northern Irishman. “It’s good fun, isn’t it,” Willett said of the competition after carding a 2-under round of 70. “There’s still two days left. I think with nine holes to go on Sunday, hopefully it will be close.”
Old pals reunion
Patrick Reed has rarely shied from confrontation in his burgeoning career to date, but his reacquaintance with Kristoffer Broberg was more like a reunion of old pals. Broberg beat Reed in a play-off on Sunday to win the BMW Champions in China. This time around it was the young American who thrived most in their meeting, firing a second-round 65 to reach nine-under-par. “You would think it would be a little more intense but his caddie and him are great guys,” Reed said of playing with Broberg. “We enjoyed ourselves out there and had some good laughs.”
Enjoying limelight
Players often cower under the pressure of playing alongside somebody of McIlroy’s renown. Emiliano Grillo basked in the reflected limelight, though, as he shot the lowest Friday score. The little-heralded Argentine, who started the competition 56th in the points list, carded a 64, which was four better than his celebrated playing partner. “It’s the second time playing with him, and I’m really thrilled,” Grillo said. “He’s one of the nicest guys out here and that makes it easier. It’s definitely not easy playing with all the crowds, but I’ve got to get used to it and keep playing well.”
Back on form
Charl Schwartzel conceded on the opening day of action here that he never looks at leaderboards any more, so badly has he been playing. It is safe to take a peek now, though. His sparkling second round 65 took the 2011 Masters champion to eight-under, four shots off the lead. “A few months ago, I didn’t feel like it was possible to put myself in position,” the South African said. “The last three weeks it’s probably felt as good as it’s ever been, if not the best. That’s a pretty big statement, but I think it’s probably the best I’ve ever hit the ball.”
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