Goosen and Green hold a two-shot lead over the field

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD
(GB&I unless stated):
-11 R Goosen (SA), R Green (Aus)
-9 N O'Hern (Aus)
-8 M A Jiminez (Sp) Paul Lawrie, WC Liang (Chn), H Stenson (Swe)

Retief Goosen and Richard Green hit impressive rounds to share the lead on 11-under-par at the halfway stage of the Qatar Masters.

First round leader Goosen followed his opening 65 with a four-under-par 68 while Green made seven birdies in his 65 - the best round of the day.

Nick O'Hern is two shots back in third while Paul Lawrie is among a group of four players on eight-under-par.

Paul Casey missed the cut by a shot and Darren Clarke is also going home early.

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A bogey on the 17th cost Casey his chance to play at the weekend while Clarke only had two birdies on his card in a 76.

Miguel Angel Jimenez was expected to make a challenge for the lead after teeing off late in the morning but two bogeys on the front nine left him in the pack with Lawrie and defending champion Henrik Stenson.

There are 36 holes left and a lot can happen. Reteif Goosen

Ernie Els is seven shots off the lead after a round of 71 which included a double bogey on the 12th.

South African Goosen refused to be carried away by his impressive start and insisted he was still wary of the chasing pack.

He said: "There are 36 holes left and a lot can happen.

"Being behind is nothing that serious with 36 holes to go. I have to get a good round in on Saturday and hopefully make a few putts to keep it going."

Australian Green finished third here in 2005 after he had made a similarly good start, only for disappointing scores in the final two rounds.

But the 35-year-old admitted he was pleased with his progress and was confident he could continue his good form into the weekend.

"I feel really comfortable with my game and I am confident with it," said Green.