Fisher, Poulter share lead in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter posted bogey-free rounds Friday and share the lead at the halfway point of the European Tour's Dubai World Championship.

Fisher tied the Jumeirah Golf Estates course record with an 8-under-par 64 and went from a tie for 17th into first place. Poulter opened with four consecutive birdies en route to a 6-under 66. They are at 9-under 135 after 36 holes.

Lee Westwood, who shot 5-under 67, is in third at 8-under and Paul Casey (67), Martin Kaymer (70) and Thongchai Jaidee (69) are tied for fourth two strokes behind the leaders.

First-round leader Robert Karlsson fell back in to a tie for 12th with a 75,

10 strokes worse than his opening round.

Fisher, who had 1-under 71 Thursday, opened his second round with back-to-back birdies and was 4-under after seven holes. He had consecutive birdies on Nos. 12-14 and tied the course record with a closing birdie.

"The first day was kind of mediocre. Then, obviously today, I'm delighted with," Fisher said. "Every aspect was on fire. I drove it well, my irons were good and I hit a lot good, quality shots close to the hole."

Poulter started the day with four straight birdies and earned his share of the lead with birdies at 15 and 17.