SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-11 G Storm (Eng), R Green (Aus) -10 P Casey (Eng), A Wall (Eng) -9 R McIlroy (NI), B Rumford (Aus), J Edfors (Swe), M Lundberg (Swe - after 16 holes)
Selected others: -7 P Harrington (Ire) -5 C Montgomerie (Sco) -3 S Garcia (Spa) -2 P McGinley (Ire)

Storm set a blazing trail of seven birdies on Friday

England's Graeme Storm fired a 64 to share a one-shot lead with Australian Richard Green after two rounds of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Hartlepool's Storm eagled the 10th to come home in 31 for 11 under, while Green shot a front-nine 30 in his 65.

Paul Casey, winner of the tournament two years ago, also sparkled with a 65 to end the day stroke shot off the pace alongside Londoner Anthony Wall.

Padraig Harrington birdied the last two holes for a 66 to leave him four back.

The second day did not see a repeat of Thursday's bad weather but the delays incurred meant just under 30 players have still to complete their second rounds on Saturday morning.

606: DEBATE What are your thoughts on the latest action in Abu Dhabi?

But it was Storm, in his first event since the Volvo Masters at the start of November, who dominated proceedings on the second day.

The 30-year-old former British amateur champion's card contained seven birdies as well as the eagle three at the 554-yard par-five 10th.

After taking time out to improve his fitness over the winter, Storm said: "I had a look at where I needed to improve and Pete (coach Pete Cowen) said I needed to get stronger. I've been working hard.

"I holed some great putts and that takes the pressure off the rest of your game."

Newly married Casey, returning to the scene of his last victory in 2007, fired three birdies in a row from the 2nd and also the 16th.

Nineteen-year-old Rory McIlroy shot an impressive 69 to end only two shots behind the leaders, while Scotland's Colin Montgomerie equalled his best round of last season with a 67 for five under.

World number two Sergio Garcia's 71 left him eight adrift and Masters champion Trevor Immelman was alongside him following a 69.

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