Australian Cam Smith has moved into a strong position at halfway in the Saudi International, two shots off the lead held by Harold Varner III and Adri Arnaus.
Cameron Smith has put himself in a strong position at halfway in the cash-laden Saudi International, moving to within two shots of the lead as he targets his second big win of the year.
The Australian No.1 welcomed the chance to go out in the more favourable morning conditions on a gusty Friday when the winds off the Red Sea caused problems for some of the afternoon contenders at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
Smith shot his second consecutive four-under-par 66 to lie joint-third at eight under, just two shots off the pace set by American Harold Varner III and Spain's Adri Arnaus.
For the second day running in King Abdullah Economic City, Smith, one of the best putters in the game, saw plenty of birdie opportunities go begging even though he made five and bogeyed just one at the sixth hole after finding the sand.
"I just struck the ball well and gave myself lots of opportunities, but I left a few out there. I felt I was putting well but they just weren't dropping," he shrugged afterwards.
"There's plenty of opportunities, and plenty of wedges in, but you've just got to stay real patient because it's got plenty of birdies in it."
Yet Smith was grateful for his early start. "I think we got the good side of the draw there for sure - it was still breezy earlier but it started to pick up over the last six, seven holes and got pretty tough.
"I like it windy. I grew up in the wind and being from Australia, you have to get used to it pretty quick. I've really loved the week here so far and can't wait for the weekend."
The Queenslander is targeting a second win of the year after his dazzling opening triumph at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, when he shot the lowest score to par ever on the PGA Tour.
Among the other Australians, Wade Ormsby, at five under, is still in the hunt after his second round 67, but Lucas Herbert slipped back to one under after a 73.
"Today was pretty frustrating," admitted Herbert. "Front nine was brutal, and I made a couple of big scores there (dropping four shots in three holes just before the turn) when not really hitting bad shots.
Arnaus and Varner, like Smith, both shot 66s , while Smith was joined on eight under by Matthew Wolff (67).
Afternoon starter and overnight leader Matteo Manassero slipped five shots off the pace after adding a 73 to his opening 62.
Defending champion Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are six shots off the pace on four under, while former US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau withdrew before the start of round two with hand and hip injuries.
