Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard carded a bogey-free second round of 7-under 65 on Friday to take a three-shot lead at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Hojgaard posted five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 second hole to get to 12-under at the Jumeirah Golf Estates' Earth Course.

"It's one of my favorite tournaments to play," Hojgaard said. "It's great to be back in a bit of form. It suits my eye. It plays into my strengths, which is mid-irons. It's just a really good fit for me."

The five-player pack tied for second includes Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, bidding to be crowned as Europe's top player for the fourth straight year and the seventh time in his career. His roller-coaster round of 69 included six birdies and three bogeys.

McIlroy is t

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