• Qatar Masters

Lucky 13 for leader Cabrera-Bello in Qatar

ESPN staff
January 23, 2014
Rafael Cabrera-Bello leads George Coetzee by two shots © Getty Images
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The number 13 proved to be anything but unlucky for Rafael Cabrera-Bello as he went as many strokes under to lead the Qatar Masters at the halfway stage in Doha.

Cabrera-Bello added a seven-under 65 to Wednesday's 66, moving himself two shots ahead of George Coetzee who followed up his opening-round 64 with a 69.

The Spaniard made the most of his opportunity to impress Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, outscoring his playing partner by 12 shots over the first two rounds.

He made one bogey and eight birdies, five of his gained shots coming in the last seven holes to hand him a score of 31 over the back nine.

"I don't think it's an unlucky number [13 under] around this course," said Cabrera-Bello. "I'm really happy, really pleased. Everything is going good and I'm enjoying myself a lot.

"It definitely feels like home here. I like playing in short sleeves with a little breeze, I like seeing palm trees and the sun. I don't feel like I've left home.

"Tomorrow's a new day. We start from scratch and play one shot at a time. I'll savour it and enjoy the opportunity."

England's Steve Webster and Matthew Baldwin share third place with Johan Carlsson on 10 under.

Paul Lawrie shares 16th place on seven under with Henrik Stenson two shots back. Luke Donald is tied with Jason Dufner on three under.

Qatar Masters leaderboard:

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