Storm blows into top spot

It was a case of 'Storm hits Middle East' for the second day running at the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.

But after the freak hailstorm that halted the opening round on Thursday, this time it was Hartlepool's Graeme Storm who forced his way into the headlines.

Playing his first event since the Volvo Masters at the start of November, the 30-year-old former British amateur champion blasted a 64 containing an eagle and seven birdies. Storm and playing partner Richard Green go into the weekend sharing top spot on 11 under par, the Australian left-hander going to the turn in 30 and finishing with a 65.

"We always play well together," said Storm, who took time off to work on his fitness with the same trainer who has helped Lee Westwood back into the world's top 10.

"I had a look at where I needed to improve and Pete (coach Pete Cowen) said I needed to get stronger. I've been working hard. I holed some great putts and that takes the pressure off the rest of your game."

Green is looking to climb back into the world's top 50 in time for The Masters in April - he is currently 63rd - and his performance revived memories of his play-off victory over Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam in nearby Dubai 12 years ago.

The 37-year-old from Melbourne was relatively unknown then, but two years ago finished fourth in The Open at Carnoustie.

Winner that week, of course, was Padraig Harrington, and the Dubliner, still the holder of the Claret Jug and now the US PGA as well, is chasing another victory.

Harrington, having opened with only a 71, charged to only four off the lead with a 66.

Ryder Cup team-mate and newly-wed Paul Casey, whose victory in the event two years ago was his last win, went one better than Harrington and on 10 under is joint third with Londoner Anthony Wall.