Daniel Hillier made four birdies in his final seven holes on the resumption of the delayed second round at the Commercial Bank Masters to hold a two-shot advantage at the halfway stage.
After disruptions to Thursday’s opening round due to adverse weather, the New Zealander was among the second round’s afternoon starters with holes still to complete when fading light forced play to be suspended.
When play resumed at 06.30 on Saturday morning, Hillier, who was alongside overnight clubhouse leader Thomas Aiken and Santiago Tarrio at 10 under, made birdies at the 12th, 13th, 16th and 18th to climb to 14 under after a flawless 65.
Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre is his nearest challenger after the Scot made three birdies over the nine holes he had left to complete at Doha Golf Club to card a bogey-free 66.
Defending champion Ewen Ferguson is at 11 under, with Spaniard Tarrio, who spoke openly after the first round about the inner challenges he has faced with his game, also at that mark.
Ross Fisher, who came into the week 115th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, boosted his hopes of retaining his playing privileges as he made the cut mark on the number at three under.
Among those to narrowly miss the cut who were outside the top 116 on the season-long points standings and in need of a strong week were Marc Warren, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia and Alexander Levy.
Hillier is enjoying a fine run of late-season form and made the perfect start on Saturday morning as he rolled in a nine-foot birdie putt to take the solo lead, before another gain quickly followed at the par three 13th.
Already a winner on the DP World Tour this season at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, the 2022 Challenge Tour graduate then picked up another shot at the 16th before ending his round with a flourish by holing from 20 feet on the 18th green.
“It was a great way to start the day,” he said of his birdie immediately on the resumption at the 12th. “It’s going to be a bit of a marathon out there, but I’m really happy to come out with some perfect conditions and make the most of it.
“I’ve been playing really well, haven’t done a whole lot wrong. Haven’t made a bogey yet. I think it’s one of the only times I’ve gone bogey-free through 36 holes.
"So that’s pretty cool. I’ve got a game plan that I’m sticking to and it’s working, so I’ll do that over the next couple of days.”
Eagles: 2️⃣
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 28, 2023
Birdies: 2️⃣7️⃣
Par: 7️⃣9️⃣
Bogeys: 0️⃣
The group of Thriston Lawrence, Daniel Hillier and Aaron Rai didn't drop a single shot across the opening two rounds 🤯#CBQMasters pic.twitter.com/QGxlSKDPaM
MacIntyre reflected on an assured performance on his resumption to put himself in contention for a third DP World Tour title as he praised the impact new caddie Mike Burrow is having.
"We’re keeping it so simple," he said. "I had a nice chat before we started work on what (Mike) felt he worked well with and what I need. Just keep it simple. Play to a number, play smart but play aggressive.
"That’s when I play my best golf, just now I feel like I’m hitting the shapes I want to hit. So far it’s been stress free."
The third round will be a two-tee start, U draw, and will begin from 10.30.
