Edfors leads by two in Qatar Masters

DOHA, Qatar -- Johan Edfors fired a six-under 66 to go two strokes ahead at the halfway point in the Qatar Masters in Doha.

On a surprisingly cool day he made seven birdies and one bogey for the tournament's best round to date.

On the front nine, he followed his bogey at the fourth with birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes, on his way to a two-round total of nine-under-par 135.

His closest challengers were South African Charl Schwartzel and England's Lee Westwood on seven-under-par 137, while Sweden's Alexander Noren, South African Anton Haig, Englishmen Ross McGowan and David Howell were a further shot behind.

England's Paul Casey, former winner Joakim Haeggman and Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kayman all missed the cut which was set at 145.

Edfors said he had benefited from a two-month break.

"I took a two-month break after last year. Had a good think about what I did last year," said Edfors.

"I wasn't happy with the way I was playing last year and how I was feeling on the course. I wasn't enjoying myself as I usually do and changed some aspects that have helped me get back into shape that I want to be."

Schwartzel, who was on two-under at the end of the first round, picked up five shots in a flawless round of 67 for an aggregate of seven-under-par 137. He was one of a number of players taken aback by the low temperatures.

"I wasn't expecting it. Like this morning, I had four layers of clothing on," he said . "It was cold, but you have to cope with it."

Scot Colin Montgomerie shot 68 to be tied with England's Nick Dougherty and former winner Henrik Stenson on 139.

"It was very cold," said Montgomerie. "I haven't actually come prepared. I have a sweater for the planes, but it doesn't have the sponsorship logos on it, so I couldn't wear it. I was frozen this morning."

But the weather had little effect on his game as he put in a fluent display. "All in all 68 with no bogeys was the key and if I can keep the bogeys off the card I have a chance here," added Montgomerie. E-mail to a friend