DUBAI // Francesco Molinari of Italy has moved within two shots of leader Robert Karlsson at the Dubai World Championship, shooting a 33 on the front nine to reach 5 under par.
Molinari, who won the HSBC Champions earlier this month, had six birdies at the turn today and would have been within a shot of the Swede if he hadn't bogeyed the ninth hole. Karlsson, who sits at 7 under, parred his first hole.
Ian Poulter, winner of last week's Hong Kong Open, also started strongly, sinking birdies on his first four holes to reach 7 under after four holes. No. 1 Lee Westwood is at 6 under.
Graeme McDowell, fighting Martin Kaymer for the European money title, remains five shots behind the German after 14 holes.