After a steady opening round of level par in very difficult conditions, GMAC followed that with a four-under par 68 for a share of 10th place at the half-way stage of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

"I've given myself a really good chance of a decent result this week," said McDowell after he shot five birdies and one bogey during Fridays second round.

"Yesterday was really really tough.  I was two-over through five holes and actually doing quite well to keep that score.  The wind and sand was blowing from all angles, but I battled on and to finish the round on level par was a decent result."

Graeme continued, "Then today I made the move I needed, climbing twenty or so places to stay right in there with the leaders.  It's a quality leaderboard with a lot of good players bunched together, so anything can happen."

Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee carded a bogey-free second round six under par 66 to claim the one shot halfway lead.  And amongst the chasing pack are no fewer than four players ranked inside the Worlds top-10, setting the tournament up for a great weekends play.

To follow Graeme's progress over the weekend at the Dubai Desert Classic, visit EuropeanTour.com