• McIlroy yet to drop shot on return to action in Middle East • Belgium’s Pieters, on 12 under, leads Abu Dhabi tournament by one

Rory McIlroy’s statement of intent, as delivered in his 36th hole of the Abu Dhabi Championship, proved worth the wait.

Frustrated by missed chances, he converted from 20ft for an eagle on the 18th. At nine under par McIlroy is just three from the halfway lead in the Middle East, with the rising standard of his play endorsing the theory of him being the man to beat. McIlroy is yet to drop a stroke, with Friday’s 66 a three-shot improvement on day one.

“The first two days I’ve been really, really happy with,” McIlroy said. “Today was an improvement on yesterday just in terms of scoring. I feel like I hit the ball very similar. I gave myself a lot of chances. I probably could have been a bit better again but I’m right in the mix after two days and I’m really happy in that position.

Rory McIlroy back in the swing in Abu Dhabi as Tommy Fleetwood sets pace Read more

“It was a nice way to finish. It felt like I gave myself tons of chances on the back nine and it was difficult to convert them. I always struggle to read these greens, I feel like I’m hitting good putts and they are just sliding by the edges.

“I feel like I got what I deserved on the last for staying so patient and it was nice to finish with a three, leapfrog a few guys and get myself into contention for the weekend.”

Dustin Johnson’s 64 was remarkable given he, like McIlroy, struggled on the greens. The world No 1 is now eight under with Tommy Fleetwood – 27 today – who played alongside McIlroy and Johnson, at minus 10.

Thomas Pieters, who forged an excellent alliance with McIlroy at the last Ryder Cup, reminded onlookers he wants to remain part of the fold by charging to the top of the leaderboard. Pieters signed for a second round of 65 to lead Jorge Campillo by one. Paul Casey is at minus nine after a 65. Casey was therefore not adversely affected by the attention of officials over slow play which he branded “totally unnecessary”.

Justin Rose and Matt Kuchar produced 18th-hole birdies to survive for the weekend by one shot.