Both men posted six birdies with just one bogey apiece to take a one-stroke lead over Lee Westwood into today’s third round at 9 under par 135.

“It was good fun,” said Garcia whose best result at the DP World Tour Championship is a seventh place finish at the inaugural event in 2009. “I try to enjoy myself as much as possible every time. Obviously when you’re playing well, it’s a little easier. It was a good day.

“I’m excited about it. It’s good to be out there with a chance the last tournament of the year. I just want to make sure that I keep playing the same way I’ve played these first two days and see where that takes us.”