Tiger Woods now looms large after moving well into contention to win for a second straight time after two rounds of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The visiting American recorded five birdies in a round of 69 to move into a share of fourth place at five under and only two from the lead.

Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen (67) and competing in Abu Dhabi for a first time heads the field by a stroke at seven under par.

Northern Ireland’s Gareth Maybin, who has not dropped a shot in two rounds, carded a 70 to be tied in second place with Italian Matteo Manassero (65).

“Coming off a seven-week layoff it’s quite surprising to be bogey free,” said Maybin.

“I’m not usually the quickest out of the gates but this is a little different.”

Legendary Scottish scribe Jock MacVicar listens intently to Tiger Woods on day two of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Woods arrived in the UAE capital having won his last event of 2011, the Chevron Challenge. 

Now the 14-time Major winner is in line to commence the New Year also with success.

“I thought I played well today,” said Woods.

“I made a couple of putts here and there but it was tough out there.  The greens are a little bit quicker, a little bit dryer and the rough seems to be getting deeper and more lush, so it certainly puts a premium on driving the ball in the fairway.”

“I also got more committed to my putting and once I read the greens I thought I’d just play and trust it.”

For a third day running Woods will find himself in the company of World No. 3 Rory McIlroy with the young Ulsterman posting a 72, that included a ninth hole double bogey following a rules breach, to remain at five under par.