Rory McIlroy believes another astonishing comeback victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is not out of the question despite trailing by seven shots at halfway.

The Northern Irishman battled windy conditions to post 69 yesterday to sit on two under par and a share of 20th place, but he came from 10 shots back at the same stage to win at Emirates Golf Club in 2024.

While the memory of his against-all-odds triumph is spurring him on, McIlroy is hoping for a smoother round today to catch leader Patrick Reed after six birdies and three bogeys yesterday.

Asked if this is the golf course he would want to play on to catch up with the chasing pack, McIlroy replied: "It's up there.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the 16th hole during day two of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

"I came from 10 behind a couple years ago to win.

"If I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I'll be right in the mix come Sunday.

"I feel like I gave myself plenty of opportunities, and I didn't take maybe as many as I wanted to.

"I have a tee time tomorrow, and hopefully shoot a good one and get right back in contention."

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton is similarly hopeful he remains in the mix after a round of 69 which leaves him three shots ahead of McIlroy on five under, to sit in a share of sixth place.

The Englishman said: "It's in a decent position, considering I don't feel like I've played anywhere near what I'm capable of.

"Hopefully I wake up with a decent golf swing and a clearer head, and we'll go out there and try our best."

Reed benefited from an earlier start, when conditions were at their best, to post a six-under 66, a bogey-free round in which he found 17 greens in regulation with an eagle at the par 546-yard 13th hole.

The American sits one clear of Andy Sullivan , who had a remarkable round of 62 to move to eight-under.

The Englishman made six birdies in his first 10 holes but just one in his next with three bogeys, only to close with a birdie on 17 and an eagle at the last.

"I hit a lot of good shots and holed a lot of good putts," Sullivan said. "Then I was out in 30. It was a bit exciting. The back nine was a bit of a roller coaster, but it was nice to bounce back after the bogeys, on 17 and 18."