Ernie Els upstaged defending Desert Classic champ Rory McIlroy but then singled out the Irishman the player to beat with two rounds to play in Dubai.

Els, 46 looks to have finally climbed out what he described as a ‘deep, dark hole’ to post rounds of 68 and 67 and share second place at nine under par on the Emirates Course.

Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello, and winner in 2012, also shot a second day 67 to lead by a stroke at 10-under par.

McIlroy was looking like missing the cut for a first time in the tournament when he dropped to level par after a third bogey in four holes at the 11th.

However the World No. 2 birdied the 13th and his three closing holes in a 72 to remain at four under par.

Els has won two U.S. Open’s and a pair of Claret Jug’s along with another 62 titles around the globe but then he hasn’t tasted success since mid-2013.

Ernie Els finding nothing uncomfortable being near the lead after two days of the 2016 Omega Dubai Desert Classic. (Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd)

Last season, and as he fought to find a user-friendly putter and putting grip, he failed to record one top-10 in 11 European Tour events.

It was a similar scenario on the PGA Tour playing 15 events outside of the four counting Majors but only recording a best of T13th and missing the cut in eight, including four in succession early in the season.

The Spingbok-born golfing legend reckons he went through as many as 10 different putters  last year but now after 28 putts on day two Els says he’s no longer apprehensive walking onto the greens.

“Everyone saw the putts I was missing and it was career-ending stuff,” he said.

“I’ve been in some holes before in my career but last year was one pretty deep, dark one.  And getting rid of the anchoring method for me was a blessing in disguise.

“I said to my wife I just want to enjoy it again.  I don’t care if I ever win, but I need to enjoy it, otherwise I need to do something else.  So it’s been a while since I felt this good and last year I didn’t feel like this.  It’s a nice feeling.”

But while Els has a rekindled fondness for the game he’s conscious of McIlroy and his ability to flick the birdie switch.

“Rory is obviously the guy to beat this week as he’s just an explosive player,” said Els.    “He had a tough time Thursday, I read, but he still shot 68.  So I’d love to be in the mix with him.”

Rory McIlroy (NIR) on the 14th green during Round Two (Pink Friday) of the 2016 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, played on the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 05/02/2016. Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd
All photos usage must carry mandatory copyright credit (© Golffile | David Lloyd)

McIlroy put himself in the mix igniting the fireworks over his closing three holes including hitting a 75-yard wedge to eight feet at the final hole to be only six off the lead with 36 holes to play.

“The par putt on 12 was a big one for me because it stopped me from going over par for the tournament and then after that I played the last six holes in four under par, so to roll those birdies in will be a good kick-start into the weekend,” he said.

And while tournament golf is a very selfish and individualistic challenge, McIlroy was delighted in seeing Els return to form.

“It’s good to see Ernie up there as Ernie has become a pretty close friend of mine the last few years,” he said.  “As well, I bump into Ernie all the time when I am back home and practicing at the Bears Club.

“He still grinds away hitting a lot of balls, so it’s good to see him climbing out of this slump he was going through.”