Scotland’s Catriona Matthew made a great second round recovery to jump into the top 20 as Annika Sorenstam set about collecting the perfect retirement present at the Dubai Ladies’ Masters at the Emirates Club. 

Sorenstam, playing in her final event before retirement, shot 66 for eight under par to take a one shot halfway lead over Australia’s Nikki Garrett (66) and make her favourite to claim the title for a third successive year. 

“It was a very good day,” acknowledged the 38-year-old Swede following a faultless round of four birdies and an eagle at the long third. “It would be great to go out with a victory but there are still another two rounds to go.

“Whatever happens, I’m having a great week here with my fiancé (Mike McGee) and my family and it’s just extra special to be doing well.”  

Starting from the tenth, Matthew, who tied for fourth last year, had a magical run of six birdies in seven holes from the 15th to move to three under par and into a tie for 17th place. 

But none of the other four Scots made the cut. Clare Queen shot a disappointing 77 and was alongside Lynn Kenny (74) at three shots too many on six over par. Amateur Kylie Walker had a 75 for eight over and rookie professional Jenna Wilson was on ten over after a second successive 77.