WHILE some around him were losing their heads, Gareth Maybin did an extraordinarily good job of keeping his, posting another bogey-free round to share second place with Italian Matteo Manassero at the Abu Dhabi Championship yesterday.

Maybin quietly made his move, reaching the turn with nine pars and then picking up shots on holes 10 and 12. His 70 followed the previous day’s 68, in which four quickfire birdies on the front nine complemented a flawless scorecard.

It was quite the turnaround for the Antrim golfer, who only just secured his Tour card when finishing 117th of the 118 qualifiers last season. He’s not alone, however, with Manassero having carded a 65, and among the chasing pack are Pádraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell. Both shot 69s, leaving the latter on three under and the former one shot better off.

Michael Hoey was the only other Irishman to make the cut – just – despite a 76 dropping him to two over. Damien McGrane (76), Peter Lawrie (72), Shane Lowry (77) and Darren Clarke (81) will not be around for the weekend.