Lowry and Elvira take two-shot halfway lead in Dubai

Shane Lowry and Nacho Elvira share a two-shot halfway lead after matching 68s in gusty conditions at the 2026 Dubai Invitational on Friday. Both sit at 5-under after 36 holes at Dubai Creek Resort.

Lowry began the day three shots behind overnight leader Rory McIlroy but surged into contention with sharp iron play and a confident putting display. The Irishman carded five birdies against two bogeys as he looks for his first DP World Tour win since the 2022 BMW PGA Championship.

Elvira joined him at the top with a late charge, closing his round with four birdies in the final six holes to also reach 5-under.

McIlroy briefly extended his advantage to two shots at 6-under early in the round, but mistakes on the back nine proved costly. Water trouble at the par-3 14th and consecutive closing bogeys dropped the four-time major champion to 2-under, three shots off the lead.

Marcus Armitage and David Puig are tied for third at 3-under, while McIlroy, Thriston Lawrence, Antoine Rozner and Angel Ayora sit a further shot back heading into the weekend.

American Ryggs Johnston provided the day’s standout moment, making the first hole-in-one of the season with a six-iron at the 218-yard par-3 eighth.