Howell makes the cut in Dubai (From Swindon Advertiser)

Howell makes the cut in Dubai

6:10am Saturday 11th February 2012 in Local By Gary Rose

GOLF: DAVID Howell shot a two-over par 74 in yesterday’s second round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but it was enough to ensure he made the cut at the tournament.

An impressive back nine put the 36-year-old in a strong position after the opening round, as he returned to the clubhouse with a three under 69.

But Howell endured a somewhat frustrating round at the Emirates Golf Club yesterday, dropping shots on the 14th and 15th holes while making par on the rest.

It was enough to ensure he narrowly avoided missing the cut, but he will need to improve significantly over the weekend, with leaders Rory McIlroy and Thomas Bjorn 12 shots ahead on 13 under.

McIlroy and Bjorn both carded seven under 65s to move into a one-stroke lead ahead of Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello.