Golf: Gallacher eyes world ranking points

LOTHIANS golfer Stephen Gallacher is out to pocket valuable world ranking points in the final two rounds of the Abu Dhabi Championship this weekend.

The 36-year-old stormed home in 32, picking up three birdies in his last four holes, for a five-under 67 to sit in a tie for 25th on three-under 141 at the halfway stage. Germany's Martyn Kaymer leads by three shots on 12 under par.

"It (his 67) was like night and day to yesterday, when I was very rusty and just getting used to having a card in my hand again," said Gallacher, who had opened with a 74 but moved alongside Masters champion Phil Mickelson and two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen after his second circuit.

Gallacher was joined in the last two rounds by Colin Montgomerie. Cockburnspath player David Drysdale was among seven Scots to make an early exit after a second-round 80.