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Coetzee claims Dubai lead before weather delay

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 03: George Coetzee of South Africa wears a bandana to protect himself from a sand storm during the second round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on February 3, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

George Coetzee snuck in a birdie at the 17th hole of Emirates Golf Club and was three under par before strong winds forced a suspension of the second round at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Friday.

The three-time European Tour winner began the week in Dubai with a round of 66 and was one shot behind the lead of Sergio Garcia at the start of the second round.

Coetzee was on the march during the second round and birdied three of his first four holes out from the 10th. He gave back a shot at the 14th, but regained it with a birdie at the 17th to go nine under par for the tournament. Play was then called off for the day.

Martin Kaymer and Rafa Cabrera-Bello were safely in the clubhouse on a four-under-par total, having each shot 69 in the second round.