Australia's Karrie Webb moved into second place with a second round 68, but she still faces a tough task to catch world No.1 Annika Sorenstam and become the first winner of the Dubai Ladies' Masters at the Emirates Club.

Sorenstam stretched her lead to five shots at the halfway stage after adding a second round 68 to her course record 65 - and she is in no mood to be overtaken by her pursuers.

"I played really well today and am very satisfied to be 11 under," said Sorenstam who, as with Webb, is seeking a fifth win of the season.

"I love the course and feel very comfortable out here. It's a great lay-out and fun to play."

Sorenstam birdied five of the first 15 holes before dropping her first shot of the tournament at the eighth (her 17th hole) where she hit a seven wood second through the green.

"I played really well, especially getting to the turn in four under," she added before going on a camel-riding trip in the desert.

"On the back nine, I just couldn't really get anything going. But just one bogey in 36-holes is pretty satisfying."

Webb had a flawless four birdie round and felt her swing was a hundred times better than in the opening round 70 she shot.

"If I can trust it over the weekend, then I should be right in there," said the three-time British Open Champion.

"I played really solid and just need to get a little more distance control.

"Today I was swinging so much better that the ball was flying a lot further and that made it difficult to judge the clubs."

Nikki Garrett, from Shelly Beach in NSW, repeated her opening 74 and made the cut on the final mark of 148, but still faces an anxious weekend in her bid to hold onto her lead in the race for the European Rookie of the Year award.

Her only challenger is Tania Elosegui Mayor - but the Spaniard fired a 70 for five under and a share of third place.

She needs to finish fifth or better to have a chance of overtaking Garrett.

"But it was a relief to make the cut," admitted Garrett, who had two top three finishes in an outstanding first year.

"It wasn't really on my mind when I started out this year, but it would be a real bonus if I did get my name on the Rookie trophy."

England's Trish Johnson, with a best of day 67, was also tied for third on five under along with Mayor and Italy's Sophie Sandolo.

Cherie Byrnes, the top Australian after a first round 69, was tied for ninth on three under after a 72.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP