SERGIO GARCIA SURGED into a three-shot lead after belatedly completing his second round at the Dubai Desert Classic.
The Spaniard, the first-round leader, only completed five holes at the Emirates Golf Club on Friday as extreme winds played havoc with the schedule and caused play to be suspended.
George Coetzee had edged in front by one stroke by the time officials called a halt, but Garcia was quickly back into his stride when completing his second 18 holes.
Resuming at one under for the round, Garcia carded three straight birdies between the sixth and eighth holes and, although he dropped a shot at 12, he made further gains at 13 and 16.
Graeme McDowell is four shots off the pace after following up his opening round 68 with a 72 to sit eight under par.
“It was another good round,” said Garcia, who sits at 12 under par for the tournament.
“Obviously we got a bit lucky with the weather, I was expecting it to be windier, but you still have to hit good shots. I played nicely again and made some nice putts, so I’m very happy with where I am.”
Compatriot Nacho Elvira carded a four-under 68 that included five birdies and just one bogey to sit in outright second.
Coetzee, whose round started at the 10th hole, had flown out of the blocks during the eight holes he managed on Friday.
A couple of birdies negated a dropped shot at the second when he resumed, but a disappointing double-bogey six at the last left him four shots off the pace and tied for third with Henrik Stenson.
Further down the leaderboard, the likes of Jamie Donaldson and Victor Dubuisson were among those to miss the cut.
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