Three shots behind the first two at 10 under is Goosen’s compatriot and defending Dubai champion Ernie Els, who set a new record of 70 successive European Tour cuts made.

But Scot Colin Montgomerie, fresh from his costly divorce, crashed out of the tournament after shooting a two-over 74, for four over in total.

World number three Goosen started with a bogey on his 37th birthday but then found his groove, picking up three shots before a birdie and an eagle in the final three holes moved him level with Hansen.

The Dane, looking for his first win on Tour in four years, was even more impressive – shooting nine birdies on a day where he said his confidence was sky high.

“I played well yesterday, but the putts didn’t drop; then all of a sudden they did today,” he said.

“For some reason, I hit it to spots where it was so easy for me to see the lines and felt I could make the putts.”

Woods’ six-under-par round of 66 was good enough to give him the midday clubhouse lead, but not good enough to satisfy his perfectionist streak.

Play at the Emirates Golf Club was held up by 55 minutes because of early morning fog, but when the murky conditions gave way to bright sunshine Woods was immediately on his game.

Starting on the back nine, he eagled the 10th and then birdied four of his next six holes before giving a rare demonstration of fallibility with a bogey at the 18th.

Three birdies on the bounce sent him to 13 under, but he then found the water at the fourth and took a double-bogey.

A birdie then another bogey left him at 11 under, and irritated.

“I turned a great round into a round,” he rued.

“It was frustrating. I played eight holes really well. Overall, I’m in position probably a few strokes behind where I should be.”

Dougherty was more pleased to be at 11 under overnight, having also shot a six-under round of 66 with six birdies and no shots dropped.

“I just played really solid golf,” he said.

“I’ve hit the ball well so far this week, and my mind-set tells me to be consistent.”

Also at 11 under is Richard Green, of Australia, who led with Goosen after round one.

The second day of Woods’ showdown with Europe’s most in-form player, Swede Henrik Stenson, went the American’s way after Goosen could only manage a 70 – to find himself six off the lead overnight.

Fog brought play to a halt early, leaving two second-round groups to conclude early tomorrow.