Golf: Thongchai shoots 66 for 2nd-round lead at Dubai Desert Classic

The 40-year-old former Thai army paratrooper made the most of calm and cool conditions to make six birdies. Jaidee reached 8 under and holds a one-shot lead on Lee Westwood (65) Stephen Dodd (69) and Miguel Angel Jimenez (67).

A double bogey at the last hole left first-round leader Rory McIlroy at 70, among a group of five players two shots behind Jaidee.

Tom Watson also shot 70 to trail by five shots. Colin Montgomerie (76) fell 11 strokes back.

Jaidee has four career wins on the European Tour, including the Indonesia Open and the Ballantine's Championship in 2009.

He sees this tournament as a warmup for the Masters. In 2006, Jaidee missed the cut at Augusta after shooting 78 and 75. After overcoming a serious back injury sustained two years ago, he wants a second chance at the Masters.

"When I went to Augusta first time, I was not familiar with the place," he said. "I didn't know those greens. I three-putted seven times and had one four-putt. I would like to get that right."