ENGLAND'S Ross Fisher kept up his unlikely surge at the top of the Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard today, a second successive seven-under-par 65 earning him a four-stroke lead midway through the second round.

The 26-year-old was clear of Graeme McDowell (69) and Swede Peter Hanson (65). Holder Tiger Woods (67) was one stroke further back on 135 alongside playing partner Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain (68).

"To lead any tournament is quite a thrill," Fisher said as play was suspended due to the threat of lightning. "I've only led once before, at the 2005 China Open, which actually was my first. I hope I can just keep doing what I'm doing. I feel comfortable and calm."

Fisher, competing in only his second season on the European Tour, showed his form at the first hole by sinking a 40-foot birdie putt. He also birdied the second then picked up three birdies in four holes around the turn before ending his round in brilliant fashion with a birdie hat-trick.

Woods, starting his round at the 10th, took advantage of the easier back nine with four birdies including a hat-trick from the 13th. But the world No.1 was unable to mount a sustained challenge coming home, reeling off eight pars and a solitary birdie at the eighth. For the second day running, Woods was less than satisfied with his form on the greens.

"It was frustrating," he said. "I just don't feel like I made many putts today. It was kind of weird."

Scots Stephen Gallagher and Andrew Coltart both shot second round 71s, to lie 10 shots behind leader Fisher.

lKarrie Webb shot a one-under-par 71 today to take a one-stroke lead after two rounds of the Women's Australian Open.

Webb was on six-under 138. Taiwan's Wei Yun-jye also had a 71 and is one shot behind in second.

Scotland's Kathryn Imrie had an 82 for a total of 152.