DUBAI: US golfer Cameron Young put himself in contention to win his first title on an elite tour, opening a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the $9 million Dubai Desert Classic on Friday as defending champion Rory McIlroy trailed in 24th place.

The 26-year-old from Florida shot a brilliant 8-under-par 64 to reach 13-under for the tournament despite closing with a bogey on the ninth hole. What looked like a perfect second shot landed on the green of the toughest hole on the golf course but rolled back in the water.

Poland's Adrian Meronk, winner of three titles last season, shot a bogey-free 6-under 66 to join England's Andy Sullivan (67) in joint second at 10-under par.

World No. 2 McIlroy, a three-time winner of the tournament, is 10 shots behind Young.

The Northern Irishman hit a round of 70, including five birdies, but dropped shots with three bogeys on the eighth, ninth and 11th holes to sit on 3-under par.

Despite numerous close calls with a second place at the British Open in St Andrews in 2022 and tied third in the PGA Championship that year, Young has yet to break through on the highest level. Denmark's Hojgaard twins — Rasmus (70) and Nicolai (69) — were tied for fourth alongside Scotland's Richie Ramsay (68), three shots further behind at 7-under par.

Luke Donald, Europe's Ryder Cup captain, made a hole-in-one on the par-3 fourth, hitting an eight-iron shot from 183 yards. It was the third ace from the former world No. 1 in competitive play, who hit a round of 71 for the second consecutive day.

Now a Dubai resident, Meronk picked up three shots on either side of the golf course and managed the tougher afternoon conditions really well.

Sullivan made five birdies in his first eight holes and looked unstoppable at one stage. However, he cooled down with just one birdie and one bogey in his last 10 holes.