Richard Sterne managed a 2- under 70 on Friday and remained atop the leaderboard after two rounds of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Sterne, who opened with a 62, finished two rounds at 12-under-par 132. He is searching for his sixth European Tour title.

Thorbjorn Olesen, who shared second in Abu Dhabi, fired a 6-under 66 to jump into a tie for second place at minus-11. He was joined there by Stephen Gallacher (70) and Tommy Fleetwood (68).

Chris Doak (69), Maximilian Kieffer (68) and Andreas Harto (67) share fifth place at 10-under-par 134 on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club.

Sergio Garcia (67) is among three players tied for eighth, while last week's winner Chris Wood (68) and Paul Casey (70) are tied for 11th at 8-under 136.

MORE TO FOLLOW.