Patrick Reed started on the back nine and fired an eagle at the par-5 13th and four birdies to card a bogey-free, 6-under 66 and take a one-shot lead at 9-under at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

“Game felt good. Kind of went out there and gave myself a lot of good looks, good opportunities and only missing one green today, that definitely helps,” said Reed.

“You’re able to do that around this type of golf course, you’re able to shoot a number and I was lucky enough to see a couple putts go in early and it just went from there.

“The golf course is definitely a little bit more gettable in the morning, especially a day like today because the greens are a little bit more receptive.”

England’s Andy Sullivan made an eagle at the par-5 18th as well as eight birdies, four of them consecutively from the 3rd, and three bogeys to close with a 65 and move into second place at 8-under.

Italian Francesco Molinari who held the overnight lead shot a 72 having made three bogeys and moved down into a share of third place at 7-under alongside compatriot Andrea Pavan who made two bogeys for a 68.

Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard rounds out the top-5 at 6-under after recording a bogey-free 67.

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