Ian Poulter has had to wait a while since his last title on the DP World Tour, but as the golfing world comes to terms with a new layout, he may as well grab the latest opportunity by the neck.

Following a solid second round in the UAE, the Englishman is T7 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic alongside Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed and two behind the leaders on eight-under.

The Ryder Cup star last tasted victory in 2018, but has since moved to LIV Golf and a new journey.

“I’ve played pretty much flawless golf,” said Poulter after a delayed conclusion to Round 2. “Round one, no bogeys, seven birdies, which was nice. And today, I had just as many chances. I just didn’t take them.

“I am a little bit frustrated coming off at eight-under par. I really felt to be honest I coulda, woulda, shoulda, had a few more but we always say that when you see a few lip out and slide past and then you wish you had holed a few more.

Poulter was one of the few who began his second 18 on Friday, getting in a few holes before darkness, after the nasty weather had messed up the early playing schedule.

“After a good Round 1, it was such a quick turnaround on Friday night, then we were off the course as it gets dark pretty early. But I got enough sleep and was back at it with a quick breakfast, stretch, warm-up, and ready to roll.”

When Poulter is this jovial, anything can happen.